GROOVE-BILLED ANI. 



384. Crotophaga siilcirostj-is. 1-i 1 /^ inches. 

 Anis are fairly abundant in southern Texas along the 

 Rio Grande. Like all the members of the family of 

 Cuckoos, their nesting habits are very irregular ; of ttimes 

 a number of them will unite and form one large nest in 

 a bush, in which all deposit their eggs. The eggs are 

 bluish-green, covered with a white chalky deposit 

 ( 1.25 x. 95). 



ROAD-RUNNER. 



385. Geococcyx californianiis. 23 inches. 

 In the southwestern portions of our country, from 

 Texas and Kansas west to the Pacific, these curious 

 birds are commonly found. They are locally known as 

 "Ground Cuckoos." "Snake-killers," "Chaparral Cocks." 

 They are very fond of lizards and small snakes, which 

 form a large part of their fare. They are very tleet 

 runners, but fly only indifferently well. Their four to 

 ten white eggs are laid on frail nests of twigs, in bushes. 



