Black Scimitarbill
NameBlack Scimitarbill
Common NameBlack Scimitarbill
Scientific NameRhinopomastus aterrimus
FamilyPhoeniculidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)34
Weight (g)40
Plumage DetailsEntirely glossy black plumage, often displaying a subtle iridescent purple-blue sheen on the wings and back in good light. It has a very long, graduated black tail.
Vocalization / CallA series of high-pitched, piping or whistling notes, often described as 'pee-pee-pee' or 'kwee-kwee-kwee', which can sometimes accelerate into a trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and Tanzania, inhabiting savanna woodlands and dry forests.
Identifying Featureslong decurved black bill, entirely glossy black plumage, very long graduated tail, arboreal foraging behavior
Description
The Black Scimitarbill is a slender, medium-sized bird characterized by its entirely glossy black plumage and a distinctive long, decurved black bill. It is an arboreal species, often seen climbing tree trunks and branches in search of insects.
