GREATER ANI 



In the spring of 1924 in high open brush 

 country, not far from the Gamboa Road, I saw 

 one of these birds, whose appearance was not 

 unlike that of a small pheasant. It was sitting 



FIG. 34. Dromococcyx phasianellus 



quietly on a branch of a- low tree; its relatively 

 small, crested head and remarkable tail, long 

 and graduated (the feathers broad and margined 

 with white conspicuous on the under surface) 

 were very noticeable. This is a rare bird 

 throughout its range, but unmistakable from its 

 characteristic features. 



8. Crotophaga major Gmelin 

 Greater Ani 



Male. Length, 458 mm. (18.00 in.); tail, 262 

 mm. (10.30 in.). Plumage black, the glossy 

 blue-black feathers of top and sides of head, neck 

 and throat margined with bronze. Bill, bare skin 

 in front of eye, legs, and feet black. Iris light 

 green with yellow ring around pupil. Sides of 

 bill with curved longitudinal furrows. 



Female. Length, 436 mm. (17.10 in.); tail, 

 255 mm. (10.05 in.). Similar to male. 



210 



