This is Bird Note.

If you've ever spent time in the extreme southern U.S.

You may have heard this jumble of sounds coming from open brushy habitat.

What you're hearing is a groove-billed Ani.

Anis are all black disheveled-looking birds with drooping wings, spread tails, and shaggy black plumage.

Their long tails seem disjointed from their bodies, as if raised

and lowered by a puppeteer's strings. The Ani's large flattened bill spits out these sharp high whistles, slurred winings, and various squeaks,

pips and growls. These birds gather in loose groups and with good reason. They nest communally.

As many as four or five pairs of birds may use one nest, a bulky cup of twigs lined with fresh leaves.

When the dominant female Annie begins to lay her own eggs, the other females lay simultaneously.

Up to 20 chalky white eggs have been found in one nest.

All parents share the duties of incubating and raising the young. For Bird Note, I'm Michael Stein. Did you know you can listen to Bird Note, I'm Michael Stein.

Did you know you can listen to Bird Note

in your podcast app?

Subscribe to Bird Note daily

and never miss an episode.