Where does the Smooth-billed Ani live?
Crotophaga ani
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Open the appThe Smooth-billed Ani lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Tropical and subtropical lowlands, including open woodlands, savannas, pastures, agricultural fields, forest edges, and mangroves.
Geographic range
Southeastern United States (Florida), West Indies, Central America, and South America east of the Andes, south to northern Argentina. Introduced to some Caribbean islands.
Preferred environments
Prefers open, grassy areas with scattered shrubs and trees, often near water. Frequently found in disturbed habitats, such as cattle pastures and cultivated lands, where insects are abundant.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), occasionally higher.
Where to look
Pastures and Agricultural Fields
Often found in open fields with grazing cattle, where they feed on insects disturbed by the animals.
Forest Edges and Open Woodlands
Look along the edges of forests, in clearings, and in areas with scattered trees and dense undergrowth.
Mangroves and Coastal Thickets
In some parts of their range, they can be found in coastal scrub and mangrove habitats.
Suburban Parks and Gardens
In areas where their range overlaps with human habitation, they may adapt to parks and large gardens with suitable vegetation.
Field tips
- Listen for Calls. Their distinctive calls are often heard before the birds are seen. Learn their 'whee-oo' whistle and harsh 'churrr' calls.
- Look for Flocks. Anis are rarely alone. Scan for groups of glossy black birds moving together on the ground or perched in low trees and bushes.
- Check Near Livestock. If in suitable habitat with cattle or other grazing animals, observe the ground around them, as anis frequently follow them to catch insects.
- Observe Flight. Their somewhat clumsy, undulating flight is characteristic. They often fly low over open ground.
Migration
Mostly resident throughout its range. Northern populations in Florida may show some local dispersal or short-distance movements, but no true long-distance migration.
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