Sickle-billed Vanga
NameSickle-billed Vanga
Common NameSickle-billed Vanga
Scientific NameFalculea palliata
FamilyVangidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)32.5
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsAdults have a pure white head, neck, underparts, and rump. The back, wings, and tail are glossy black. The bill is pale greyish-white, and the legs are dark.
Vocalization / CallIts calls include a variety of whistles, trills, and chattering notes. Common calls are a loud, ringing 'whee-whee-whee' or a rapid 'tew-tew-tew-tew'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Madagascar, found throughout the western and northern dry deciduous forests, gallery forests, and spiny forests.
Identifying Featuresextremely long, strongly decurved pale bill, contrasting black and white plumage, white head and underparts, glossy black back and wings
Description
This striking bird is characterized by its contrasting black and white plumage and an exceptionally long, strongly decurved, pale bill. It forages in the canopy and subcanopy of forests, using its specialized bill to probe for insects in bark crevices, often moving in small, noisy flocks.
