Last updated 4/5/96
Ani are black grackle sized birds with a large parrot like bill. They are vocal and easy to hear, but they tend to stick to thick vegitation and are often difficult to see. Their posture is very upright and once you find it the large bill makes it unmistakable. If you are a real optimist and not satisfied with your good luck in finding an Ani then check the bill for the "bump" that would indicate a Smooth-billed Ani. I don't think there is a record of Smooth-billed Ani on the UTC, but you never know.
Places where Goove-billed Ani have been found are Fort Travis Park on the Bolivar Peninsula, and High Island. I would expect San Bernard NWR to be good location to look also.
A winter range map is available from the Christmas Bird Count