FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
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Ani birds, a relative of the cuckoo family, are big black creatures. These birds have heavy black plumage, beady black eyes, and rumbled feathers. The term collectively refers to the three species of birds that are described later in the article. Slight physical differences are noticeable across the subspecies. They can be found in North American states like southern Texas and Florida, tropical South America, and coastal Peru.
Recent studies have discovered their interesting social structures. Breeding happens in large communal nests and has divided responsibilities among adults. This communal method of nest formation has an adaptative advantage. The larger the group size, the greater the probability of their eggs being protected.
Read on to know more about the breeding behavior, physical characteristics, and other interesting facts about this species. If you enjoyed yourself while reading this article, do consider reading our articles on black-billed cuckoo and yellow-billed cuckoo facts too.
Ani birds refer to three species of birds belonging to the cuckoo family.
The Ani bird belongs to the class Aves of the kingdom Animalia.
The recent IUCN Red List Assessment shows that Ani birds can be found in abundance across their home range. The smooth-billed Ani population is estimated to be 20,000,000 and the trend is stable. Similarly, for the greater Ani bird, the population lies in the range of 500,000 to 4,999,999 with a stable trend. Although some concerns have been raised about the decline in the groove-billed Ani population.
One can observe only slight differences in the range of each sub-species as much of the inhabited lands overlap. For example, smooth-billed Anis and groove-billed Anis share the Central and South American regions. Anis can be found in the north of Florida, along the Caribbean, and Pacific slopes of Costa Rica. In South America, they live in Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, and northern Argentina. They also cover southern Texas, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, and Mexico. Some of these North American birds migrate to Cuba from Florida.
Anis share certain habitat characteristics. All three subgroups (groove-billed Anis, smooth-billed Anis, and greater Anis) tend to prefer open woodlands, semi-open countries, and cultivated lands. Greater Ani birds also favor areas with water sources and can be found living in mangrove swamps.
Usually, pairs live together to tend to their young. A recent study on the family structures of the groove-billed Ani found that their family structure is quite variable. They may form families of two, four, six, or even eight adult members. Although, the increase in group size does not mean an increase in the number of eggs. Females lay only about four eggs in total. Greater Anis is also spotted in groups as this helps them to defend their nest territories against other birds with harsher calls.
There isn't yet any exact information about the lifespan of Ani birds.
Like cuckoos, Anis are oviparous and iteroparous which essentially refers to the characteristic of the species of nesting together. Pairs of males and females tend to build nests together. This ensures better protection of the eggs. A single clutch may have up to 36 eggs as the nest is shared by multiple females. The eggs are pale blue. These birds prefer building their nests on treetops. The incubation period lasts for 14 days during which all adult members contribute. The young are born helpless and are taken care of by their parents. They are fed by both males and females of this species.
According to the IUCN Red List, Anis has a Least Concern categorization. The populations of both the smooth-billed Ani and the greater Ani are stable and can be found in abundance. However, the groove-billed Ani's population trend seems to be decreasing.
Ani birds have a characteristic black plumage. They are large birds and have a striking black bill and a long tail. The groove-billed Ani has, as the name suggests, deep-set ridges on its beak which is contrast with the smooth-billed Ani. The greater Ani has an exceptionally long tail and a unique feather pattern. Its upper half takes up a circular form whereas the lower half is straight and falls together like pleats.
These birds can easily win the goth title. They have a very distinguishing black plumage which makes them somewhat scary.
They communicate vocally, using different calls for routine communication and as alerting signals. Smooth-billed Anis have a hawk-like call with a noticeable inflection at the end. Greater Anis is known to be quite boisterous. They make a range of sounds like croaks, hisses, and whirring. Similarly, groove-billed Anis has a 'tsweeuw' call which is high-pitched and used often.
Anis are big birds. The size ranges from 11.8-14.2 in (30-36 cm). Its size is very similar if compared to cuckoos, but Anis tend to be larger than cuckoos. Anis are three times larger than robins.
Their flight is described as wobbly and erratic. They make up for this fact by being quick on their feet. Since they forage for food on ground level, it does not prove to be a great disadvantage.
An Ani bird's weight falls in the bracket of 2.5-4.2 oz (71-119 g).
No distinct names are used to refer to males and females of this species.
Baby Ani birds can be called chicks.
An Ani bird, like the cuckoo family, is omnivorous by nature. They feed on small insects, lizards, beetles, and grasshoppers. At other times, they eat berries, seeds, and small fruits such as grapes, royal palms, and firewood. Smooth-billed Anis rely on herds of large cattle to draw out these small insects. Groove-billed Anis forage at ground level.
They are known to defend their nest, eggs, and home range from any intruders. Some instances of parasitic brooding have been noted. They aren't dangerous to humans.
No, these birds are accustomed to the wild. They prefer tree tops and foraging in the open. Moreover, they are very social in nature and nest in large groups.
The pronunciation of Ani can be split into two syllables. Both of them should be given equal emphasis.
Ani birds are related to cuckoos and roadrunners.
Greater Anis are sometimes called black cuckoos.
There are three types of Ani birds. These are smooth-billed Anis (Crotophaga ani), greater Anis (Crotophaga major), and groove-billed Anis (Crotophaga sulcirostris). They differ in terms of their appearance, calls, and habitat range.
The Audubon Society which estimates the effect of global warming on the home range of these birds has predicted its effects on groove-billed Anis. When temperatures rise by 37.4 F (3 C), they will lose 2% of their habitat range.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including shoebill, or Australian pelican.
You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our ani bird coloring pages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ani_(bird)
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Smooth-billed_Ani/lifehistory
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Groove-billed_Ani/lifehistory#behavior
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At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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