The black-billed sicklebill, also referred to as the buff-tailed sicklebill, is a species of bird-of-paradise. It, along with its congener, are the only members of the genus Drepanornis.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in lower montane and hill rainforests across central and southeastern New Guinea, extending into adjacent foothills. Prefers dense, humid forest with rich epiphyte growth and tangled vines. Often uses edges, gaps, and secondary forest but remains tied to closed-canopy habitats. Forages from the understory to mid-storey, occasionally descending to the forest floor to probe among litter.
Altitude Range
600–1900 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-billed sicklebill is one of only two species in the genus Drepanornis, the other being the buff-billed sicklebill. Its long, decurved bill is adapted for probing among mosses, flowers, and leaf litter in New Guinea’s rainforests. Males perform subtle display routines at dispersed courts, using posture, wing-flicks, and soft calls rather than extravagant plumes. It is sometimes called the buff-tailed sicklebill, reflecting the warm tones in the tail.
Drepanornis albertisi cervinicauda, museum specimen
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding season. Males maintain dispersed display courts and perform close-range displays to visiting females. Nests are placed well hidden in dense vegetation, with the female responsible for most nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include thin, high whistles interspersed with harsher notes. During display, males add soft clicks and wing-flick sounds, producing a subdued mechanical quality.
Plumage
Mostly mottled brown and olive with fine barring, a subtly iridescent greenish sheen on the throat in males, and warm buff tones on the tail. Females are duller and more heavily barred below. The long, slender, sickle-shaped bill is distinctive.
Diet
Takes insects and other arthropods by gleaning from leaves, bark, and epiphytes. Also eats small fruits and berries when available, contributing to seed dispersal. The decurved bill allows probing into mosses, tangled vines, and flowers; nectar is occasionally taken.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and mid-storey of montane rainforest, especially in areas rich in epiphytes and lianas. Often works along edges, forest gaps, and along ridges where resources are concentrated.
