Greater Ani

The Greater Ani is a large, glossy-black cuckoo with a long, broad tail, a heavy, laterally compressed bill, and a subtle bluish or greenish sheen that catches the light. Its pale, almost silvery iris stands out against the dark plumage, giving the bird a sharp, expressive look, and its loose, slightly shaggy feathers give it a somewhat lanky, sculptural silhouette. In flight it appears long‑tailed and buoyant, often gliding low over water or vegetation.

• Species eBird Ecuador Link: Greater Ani

In Ecuador, the Greater Ani is a resident species found primarily in lowland habitats near water, including mangroves, riverine woodlands, and swampy forest edges. It is gregarious and conspicuous, often seen in noisy groups foraging for insects, small vertebrates, and fruit, and nesting communally in trees where multiple pairs share incubation and chick-rearing duties. The species is considered fairly common across its range and is classified as Least Concern due to its large population and extensive distribution throughout tropical South America. Seasonal movements occur in parts of its range, though its status in Ecuador remains stable and not currently threatened by major conservation pressures.