White-tipped Sicklebill
NameWhite-tipped Sicklebill
Common NameWhite-tipped Sicklebill
Scientific NameEutoxeres aquila
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)13.5
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are iridescent green, appearing duller brown in some light. The head and throat are brownish, often with a streaked appearance. Underparts are buffy white, heavily streaked with dusky brown. The tail is dark with prominent white tips on the outer feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched 'tsip' or 'tseet' notes, often given while foraging or in flight, and sometimes a rapid, chattering series.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in humid tropical and subtropical forests from Costa Rica and Panama south through the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and into parts of Venezuela.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, strongly decurved black bill, Streaked buffy-white and dusky underparts, Iridescent green upperparts, White tips on outer tail feathers, Clings to flowers while feeding
Description
This large hummingbird is characterized by its exceptionally long, strongly decurved bill. It has iridescent green upperparts and streaked underparts, often seen clinging to flowers while feeding on nectar. Its unique bill shape is adapted for specialized feeding on certain flower types.
