The Smooth-billed Ani feeds on termites, large insects and even lizards and frogs.

It is very similar to the Smooth-billed Ani, some of which have bills as small as the Groove-billed and with grooves on the basal half.

However the Smooth-billed Ani C. ani will share one nest between several females, with up to 29 eggs in one nest.

It is threatened by introduced predators such as rats, mice, cats, and the Smooth-billed Ani, as well as habitat loss, which has occurred through clearance for agriculture.

The Smooth-billed Ani is a mid-sized species, larger on average than the Groove-billed Ani but smaller than the Greater Ani.