The groove-billed ani is a tropical bird in the cuckoo family with a long tail and a large, curved beak. It is a resident species throughout most of its range, from southern Texas, central Mexico and The Bahamas, through Central America, to northern Colombia and Venezuela, and coastal Ecuador and Peru. It only retreats from the northern limits of its range in Texas and northern Mexico during winter.
Region
Central America and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Texas and much of Mexico through Central America to northern Colombia and Venezuela, and along the Pacific coast to Ecuador and northern Peru, also in The Bahamas. Prefers open and semi-open habitats such as pastures, agricultural fields, scrub, savannas, and mangrove edges, avoiding dense forest interiors. Often associated with human-altered landscapes and edges near water. Typically found in small groups moving through low vegetation and perching conspicuously.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The groove-billed ani is a highly social cuckoo that lives in cooperative groups which often build and share a single communal nest. Its thick, laterally compressed bill has distinctive lengthwise grooves that give the species its name. Groups commonly follow livestock or tractors to catch flushed insects and will sunbathe with wings spread during cool mornings.
In Turrialba, Costa Rica
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with glides at low height
Social Behavior
Lives in cohesive groups that forage and travel together, often 5–10 birds. Cooperative breeding is typical: several females lay eggs in a shared nest and adults collectively incubate and feed the young. Nests are usually placed low in shrubs or small trees and may be reused or rebuilt in the same area. Group members engage in mutual preening and communal roosting.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of wheezy, squeaky whistles and grating notes, often described as hinge-like creaks. Groups call frequently while foraging, exchanging soft chatter and harsher alert calls.
