large-bodied; glossy black; long tail; quite long bill (Panama; 2008-06-13)


Greater Ani
Crotophaga major

Native Range: Latin America

Notes: a large-bodied cuculid related to the Gooved-billed and Smooth-billed Ani but larger than either of those two species and with a somewhat longer bill; usually found in small groups of about 5-20 individuals; has the peculiar habit of gathering in small ensembles (such as quartets) and collectively vocalizing a burring sound that resembles the labored starting of a old-fashioned car's engine.


dorsal view; note whitish iris (Panama; 2008-06-13)
ventral view, showing long rounded tail (Panama; 2008-06-13)

adult pair of banded birds; no sexual dimorphism (Panama; 2008-06-13)
a quartet harmonizing their burring engine-like song (Panama; 2008-06-13)
ventral view; sleeker looking that other ani species (Panama; 2008-06-13)