The Trochilidae family bird Eutoxeres aquila is scientifically called the White-tipped Sicklebill and it is an interesting bird found in Central and South America. It has a dark green upper body with grayish undersides that are marked by dusky-gray stripes. Its tail is the most distinctive feature of this bird which bears long white feathers and its bill has a yellow lower mandible, which makes it look like a sickle.
This extraordinary bird can be found between Costa Rica and western Colombia, Ecuador, western Venezuela, as well as northern Peru. It thrives in humid forests and forest edges with plenty of Heliconia flowers.
The White-tipped Sicklebill may be tiny but it matters because it measures from 11.5 to 13.5 cm (4.5 to 5.3 inches) long weighing approximately 8.6 –14.5 grams (0.30-0.51 ounces). It survives on nectar from Heliconia flowers and other long tubular flowers mostly but at times it eats small insects or spiders for proteins also.
Cool Facts about White-tipped sicklebill
A white tipped sicklebill is an amazing creature. Here some interesting facts about this type of bird:
- It has no other kind of bird having such a beak like that one. This is the single kind of bird that possesses a beak shaped like a reaping-hook.Currently, it uses this bill to access flower nectars for feeding purpose.
- One-of-a-kind courtship behaviour: During mating season, male white-tipped sicklebills will carry out flattering flights to attract females. Males fly up to 100 feet above ground before diving almost to touch ground level then making rescue bending towards sky.
- Unusual voice: The White-Tipped Sicklebill makes series of high pitched whistles which are unique in this bird species. This call is given to birds of the same area.
- Found in the mountains: The white tipped sicklebill is found in the mountains of New Guinea at an altitude of up to 10,500ft above sea level. They can survive at high altitudes where it becomes extremely cold for other animals.
