Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #33

By Jim Gain

6/4/2023

• Scientific Name: Crotophaga sulcirostris
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Garrapatero Pijuy
• Name in Mayan: Ch’ik bul
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: GBAN
• Family: Cuculidae – Cuckoos
• Order: Cuculiformes – Cuckoos

About this Species

The Groove-billed Ani is a striking bird found in Belize and other parts of Central and South America. Adults are around 14 in. long and have a black body with iridescent green and blue highlights, a long tail, and a distinctive curved bill with a deep groove along the top. These birds are often seen in small groups, perched on low branches or foraging on the ground.

Groove-billed Anis are distributed throughout Belize, with a range that extends from coastal areas to inland forests. They are known to inhabit a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, mangroves, and scrublands. These birds are omnivores and feed on a variety of insects, fruits, and seeds.

In terms of natural history, Groove-billed Anis are fascinating creatures. They are cooperative breeders, meaning that several individuals will help to raise the young of a single breeding pair. They build communal nests in thorny shrubs or trees and lay eggs that are incubated by all members of the group. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by both parents and other group members until they are ready to fledge. These birds are also known for their unusual vocalizations, which include a range of whistles, cackles, and grunts.

>> Next Post on Tuesday, 6/6/2023 – White-necked Jacobin

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin