White-tipped Sicklebill
The White-tipped Sicklebill is a medium-sized hummingbird found in humid lowland and foothill forests from Costa Rica to Ecuador, distinguished by its extraordinarily long, strongly decurved bill adapted for feeding at heliconia and other curved flowers, bronzy-green plumage, and white tips on the outer tail feathers that give the species its name.
Eutoxeres aquila
Scientific Name
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Family
Apodiformes
Order
E. a. salvini
Subspecies. Costa Rica and western Panama
Range and Habitat of White-tipped Sicklebill
Geographic Range
The White-tipped Sicklebill ranges from Costa Rica through Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and marginally into Bolivia.
Migratory Patterns
The species is non-migratory but shows local movements following the flowering of Heliconia species. Some seasonal movements between elevations occur tracking flower availability.
Preferred Habitat
The White-tipped Sicklebill inhabits humid forest understory and edges, secondary forest with appropriate flowers, ravines and stream courses with Heliconia, shaded coffee and cacao plantations with native plants, and forest gaps and light breaks. It strongly prefers areas with abundant Heliconia and similar curved flowers.
Altitude Range
In Costa Rica, the species occurs from sea level to 2,000 m elevation, most commonly between 500-1,500 m. Occasionally recorded up to 2,400 m following flowering events.
Costa Rica Habitat
In Costa Rica, the species occurs on both slopes in appropriate habitat. On the Caribbean slope, it is found from the lowlands to middle elevations throughout. On the Pacific slope, it occurs from the Carara region southward.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Costa Rican populations appear healthy where forest and Heliconia patches remain.
Habitat loss eliminates both forest and Heliconia patches.
Conservation efforts
The White-tipped Sicklebill is protected in numerous Costa Rican parks and reserves.
Primary Threats
Habitat loss eliminates both forest and Heliconia patches.
White-tipped Sicklebill Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM)
Size
11-13 cm in total length; males weigh 9-12 g while females weigh 8-10 g
Plumage
Adults display relatively subdued plumage for a hummingbird. The upperparts are bronzy-green to olive-green with a slight metallic sheen. The underparts show distinctive streaking with dark green to blackish streaks on a whitish to buff background, creating a heavily striped appearance.
Distinctive Features
The most remarkable feature is the extremely curved, sickle-shaped bill measuring 35-40 mm along the curve, approximately one-third of the bird’s total length. The bill is black above and yellowish at the base of the lower mandible.
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is minimal. Males average slightly larger with marginally longer bills. Females may show slightly buffer underparts, but differences are not reliable for field identification.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- The White-tipped Sicklebill specializes in nectar from curved flowers, particularly Heliconia species. It also feeds on other curved flowers such as Centropogon species, some passion flowers (Passiflora), and curved gingers. The diet is supplemented with small insects and spiders gleaned from flowers and leaves. Spider silk is consumed for protein.
Foraging Techniques
- This sicklebill is a trap-lining species, visiting flowers along established routes multiple times daily. The curved bill perfectly matches curved corollas of specialized flowers.
Feeding Times
- Peak feeding occurs in early morning from 5:30-8:30 and late afternoon from 15:00-17:30. The species feeds throughout the day but at lower intensity. Activity continues during light rain when flowers refill with nectar.
Behavior Patterns
White-tipped Sicklebill
Social Structure
These sicklebills are typically solitary, maintaining individual feeding territories. Males and females often have overlapping but separate trap-lines. The species rarely interacts with other hummingbirds due to flower specialization.
Song and Vocalization
Males sing from concealed perches in understory, producing a high-pitched, monotonous series of “tsip” or “chip” notes repeated for minutes. The call is a sharp “tsit” or “tseek” given in flight or when disturbed.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Males establish singing territories separate from feeding territories. They perform simple display flights near singing perches. The curved bill may be displayed prominently during courtship. Males sing persistently to attract females to display areas. No elaborate aerial displays occur unlike many hummingbirds.
Territoriality
Individuals defend trap-line routes rather than specific patches. Defense is primarily through displacement rather than aggressive chases.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting White-tipped Sicklebill
Prime sites include
- La Selva Biological Station (Heliconia patches along trails)
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (lower elevations)
- Wilson Botanical Garden (Heliconia garden)
- Tapantí National Park along streams
- Carara National Park (river trail)
- Braulio Carrillo National Park (Quebrada González)
- Rara Avis Reserve, and any location with flowering Heliconia patches.
Best Time of the Year
They can be observed year-round, with increased activity during breeding season (March-July). Early morning offers best viewing opportunities.
Common Behavior
Look for movement at Heliconia flowers in forest understory. Listen for monotonous chipping song from concealed perches. Watch for distinctive perching behavior while feeding. Check flowers early morning when nectar levels are highest.
Recommended Gear
Essential equipment includes 8×42 binoculars suitable for dark forest conditions, a camera with macro capability for feeding behavior.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
Breeding occurs primarily from February to August, with peaks varying by elevation. Lowland populations breed earlier (February-May) than highland populations (April-August).
Nesting Sites
The nest is attached to the underside of Heliconia or similar large leaves, unique among Costa Rican hummingbirds. The cone-shaped nest measures 6-10 cm long, constructed of plant fibers, moss, and spider silk. It is attached by the rim to the leaf underside with the cup hanging below.
Clutch Size
2 white eggs
Incubation Period
17-19 days
Parental Care
The female alone builds the nest, incubates, and raises young. Chicks are fed regurgitated nectar and small insects. The curved bill develops gradually in nestlings. Fledging occurs at 22-25 days.
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
The sicklebill can feed while completely inverted under leaves. It sometimes uses its bill to pry open flowers not yet ready for pollination.
Cultural Significance
The curved bill inspired indigenous myths about birds that could “unlock” forest secrets. The species appears in pre-Columbian art from Costa Rica.
Surprising Traits
The bill continues growing throughout life, maintaining optimal curvature. Young birds can feed from straight flowers before the bill fully curves.
How do I identify this bird?
Look for the extremely curved, sickle-shaped bill – unique among Costa Rican hummingbirds. Note the heavily streaked underparts and white tips to the tail feathers. The perching feeding behavior at curved flowers is distinctive. No other hummingbird combines these features.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
Any location with flowering Heliconia patches in humid forest. La Selva Biological Station and Wilson Botanical Garden offer reliable viewing at their Heliconia collections. Check forest understory along streams where Heliconia naturally occurs.
Is it endangered?
No, it’s listed as Least Concern with stable populations. The specialization on Heliconia makes it vulnerable to habitat changes, but the species adapts well to modified habitats that maintain these plants. It’s an important pollinator worth protecting.