The pale-billed sicklebill is a species of sicklebill that belongs to the family Paradisaeidae, which contains the birds-of-paradise.
Region
New Guinea (northwest) and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and hill rainforests of northwestern New Guinea, including the Bird’s Head Peninsula and islands such as Yapen. It favors primary rainforest but also uses mature secondary forest and forest edges where fruiting trees are present. Typically forages in the midstory and canopy, moving methodically along branches and into leaf clusters. Often found near ridges, foothills, and along riverine corridors within intact forest mosaics.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the birds-of-paradise (Paradisaeidae), the pale-billed sicklebill is noted for its long, decurved, pale horn-colored bill used to probe foliage for insects and fruit. It is a shy, canopy-leaning species of northwestern New Guinea’s rainforests and nearby islands. Males perform display calls from regular perches rather than forming large, classic leks. Although affected locally by logging, it tolerates some secondary growth when fruiting trees remain.
Male specimen at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
Temperament
shy and cryptic
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory and mid-canopy
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks at fruiting trees. Males call and display from habitual perches, performing posture changes and wing flicks to attract females. Nesting is by the female, who builds a small cup nest well above ground within dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of clear, ringing whistles interspersed with nasal notes. Calls are repeated from a prominent perch and can carry through dense forest, aiding territory advertisement and mate attraction.
Plumage
Overall warm brown to rufous-brown with fine barring on the underparts and subtle iridescence on the breast. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, with a slightly paler throat and belly. Females are duller and more heavily barred than males.
Diet
Eats a mix of fruits (especially figs and small drupes) and arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Uses its long bill to probe curled leaves, epiphytes, and mossy branches for hidden prey. Will hawk short distances to snatch insects flushed from foliage and supplements its diet opportunistically with nectar.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily in the midstory and canopy at fruiting trees and along vine tangles. Also feeds along forest edges and in older secondary growth where native fruiting plants persist.
