The common scimitarbill is a species of bird in the family Phoeniculidae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from East Africa to the southern subcontinent in dry savannas, thornveld, and open woodlands including acacia, mopane, and miombo. It favors edges of woodland, riparian thickets, and lightly wooded scrub with scattered trees. The species avoids dense, closed-canopy forest and true desert but tolerates semi-arid conditions. It uses both natural and human-modified landscapes where suitable trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its long, scimitar-shaped bill, the common scimitarbill pries insects from bark, dead wood, and crevices that many birds cannot reach. It is typically seen alone or in pairs, moving quietly through dry woodlands and savannas. The plumage shows a glossy blue-black sheen that can look metallic in strong light.
Juvenile in Etosha National Park
Temperament
usually quiet, alert, and wary; often in pairs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, bounding flights between trees
Social Behavior
Most often seen singly or in monogamous pairs, occasionally in small family parties. Nests in natural cavities or old barbet/woodpecker holes, with both adults provisioning the young. Territorial around nest sites and favored foraging trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high, whistled notes and sharp tik-tik contact calls, often given from within cover. Phrases may be repeated in short series, carrying well in open savanna.
