Groove-billed Ani
Crotophaga sulcirostris
Family: (Cuculidae) Cuckoos, Roadrunners, and Anis
Preferred Habitat: Woodland edges and fields.
Seasonal Occurrence: Rare in winter
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
Notes: The Groove-billed Ani is an unlikely-looking tropical cuckoo, more commonly found in South Texas. Small numbers are seen on the Upper Texas Coast. David Sarkozi reports that most sightings in our area are in November, December, and January close to the coast. They are often found in fields with cattle and forage on the ground for insects stirred up by the cattle. Good places to look for Groove-billed Anis in our area are along the Bolivar Peninsula, Quintana, and San Bernard NWR.
- Susan Billetdeaux