About Crotophaga ani Linnaeus, 1758
The smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani Linnaeus, 1758) is a mid-sized bird. On average, it is larger than the groove-billed ani, but smaller than the greater ani. Its total length measures approximately 35 cm (14 in). Males weigh around 115 g (4.1 oz), while females are lighter, at around 95 g (3.4 oz). Adult smooth-billed anis are mainly glossy black, with a long tail, a deep ridged black bill, and a brown iris. Their flight is weak and wobbly, but they run well and usually feed on the ground. In Venezuelan folklore, this species is called "el pijul". Its calls include a whining ooo-leeek. The smooth-billed ani lives in open and semi-open landscapes and cultivated areas. This common, conspicuous species has benefited greatly from deforestation. It feeds on termites, large insects, other invertebrates, and even lizards, frogs, eggs and hatchlings of other birds, and fruit. It will occasionally remove ticks and other parasites from grazing animals.
