Smooth-Billed Ani

The Jamaican Smooth-Billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the cuckoo family. It is mainly black with a long tail, and a unique feature is its smooth, curved bill. The bill lacks the serrations found on other cuckoos' bills, and this adaptation is thought to be useful for breaking open tough beetle cases. The bird's wings and tail have white patches, and its eyes are surrounded by bare, blue skin.

The Jamaican Smooth-Billed Ani is found in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, often living in open habitats such as pastures, scrublands, and edges of forests. They are social birds and can be seen in flocks, often perching on low branches and posts. They are omnivores and feed on a variety of insects, fruits, and small vertebrates.

The Smooth-Billed Ani is known for its unique vocalizations, which include a range of sounds such as whistles, croaks, and cackles. They are also known for their cooperative breeding habits, with multiple pairs contributing to the care and feeding of young.

The Jamaican Smooth-Billed Ani is not considered to be threatened, although habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities can impact their populations in some areas.