A lanky, large-billed, glossy-black bird of Southern Texas. Adult is iridescent black overall, with long tail, short wings, and bare skin around eye. Bill is very deep; upper mandible is almost level with top of head, curving down to meet lower mandible. Namesake grooves on bill usually distinguish from Smooth-billed Ani, but overlaps; note range. Sexes are similar. Name is pronounced Ah-nee.

Length: 34 (cm) Wingspan: 43 (cm)

Voice:

Low gurgling and high whistled notes.

Habitat:

Open fields, woodland edges, shrubby areas, thickets.

Behavior:

Often in vicinity of livestock. Typically seen in small groups. Sometimes perches stationary with spread wings to soak up sunshine. Nest is a cup of twigs, lined with finer materials, placed low in shrub or tree.

Feeding:

Gleans foliage or forages on ground. Sometimes follows cattle to catch disturbed insects, or pick bugs off the animals' backs. Eats a variety of insects and other small prey, as well as some fruit.