Sharpbill
NameSharpbill
Common NameSharpbill
Scientific NameOxyruncus cristatus
FamilyOxyruncidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)22.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-green, while the underparts are yellowish-green with prominent black spotting, particularly on the breast and flanks. The head often features a small, erectile orange-red crest, though it is frequently concealed. The bill is slender and sharply pointed.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, thin, and sibilant whistles or trills. A common call is a high-pitched 'seeeep' or 'sweeet'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in disjunct populations across Central and South America, including parts of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive sharply pointed bill, Yellowish-green plumage with heavy black spotting on underparts, Small, often concealed, orange-red crest, Monotypic family (Oxyruncidae)
Description
The Sharpbill is a distinctive passerine bird known for its unique pointed bill and heavily spotted plumage. It typically inhabits the canopy and subcanopy of humid evergreen forests, where it forages for fruits and insects.
