Black Sicklebill
Epimachus fastosus
The Black Sicklebill (Epimachus fastosus) is a legendary birds-of-paradise found in 2 countries, weighing about 233 g. The black sicklebill is a large member of the birds of paradise family, Paradisaeidae.
About the Black Sicklebill
The black sicklebill is a large member of the birds of paradise family, Paradisaeidae. This species is found throughout most of central New Guinea and the Vogelkop region to the northwest in montane forests at altitudes from 1,800 to 2,150 m.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
As the second-longest bird of paradise species (behind the ribbon-tailed astrapia), the black sicklebill measures about 110 cm (43 in) in length if the tail is included, and around 24 in (61 cm) without the tail. The female is around 21 in (53 cm) in length. The black sicklebill is a very bizarre species of bird of paradise. Voice: Long-tailed sicklebills have very un-birdly calls. The male of this species produces a powerful, far-carrying, bubbling "kwit-it kwit-it", a characteristic sound in its range. The true unusual call is found in the brown sicklebill (see that species). Listen to the call here.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: June, July, August, September, October, with peak activity in July. It is a winter visitor species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black Sicklebill?
- As the second-longest bird of paradise species (behind the ribbon-tailed astrapia), the black sicklebill measures about 110 cm (43 in) in length if the tail is included, and around 24 in (61 cm) without the tail. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black Sicklebill?
- The Black Sicklebill is a medium sized bird weighing about 233 g.
- Where can you see a Black Sicklebill?
- The Black Sicklebill occurs in 2 countries, including Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
- What birds look similar to a Black Sicklebill?
- The Black Sicklebill is most easily confused with the Brown Sicklebill.
- Is the Black Sicklebill endangered?
- The Black Sicklebill is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black Sicklebill for real
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