Forest Scimitarbill Bird Details
Rhinopomastus castaneiceps
Forest Scimitarbill
NA
Richard Bowdler Sharpe,1871
Bucerotiformes (HOOPOES and HORNBILLS)
Phoeniculidae
Rhinopomastus
Sub-Saharan Africa
Appearance :
The Forest Scimitarbill is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive long, decurved bill. It has a blackish head, chestnut crown, and a white stripe above the eye. The back and wings are brown, and the underparts are whitish.
Behaviour :
It is typically found in pairs or small groups, often perching prominently in trees. It feeds on insects and other small prey items that it catches by hawking from branches.
Habitat :
This species inhabits various types of forested habitats, including both primary and secondary forests, as well as woodland areas.
Diet :
The Forest Scimitarbill primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. It catches prey by sallying out from a perch or by gleaning from foliage.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically found in countries such as Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Population Size :
Specific population estimates are not readily available.
Life Span :
Live for over 10 years in captivity.
Body And Tarsus:
- Medium-sized, slender bird with a relatively long tail and distinctive bill.
- Tarsus Length: Around 1.465-1.53 cm.
Head And Bill :
Head: The head is blackish in color with a chestnut crown. It features a distinctive white stripe above the eye.
Bill: The bill is long, slender, and slightly decurved. The bill length is approximately 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches).
Length :
Approximately 25-30 cm (10-12 inches).
Neck :
Moderately long.
Size :
Medium-sized.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and graduated.
- Tail Length: Approximately 10-12 cm (4-4.7 inches).
Weight :
Approximately 23 to 25 grams.
Wing :
Broad and rounded.
Wing Span :
Approximately 40-50 cm (16-20 inches).
Facial Feature :
Distinctive white stripe above the eye, contrasting with the blackish head and chestnut crown.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Typically a cavity in a tree trunk, often a natural hole or sometimes a previously excavated nest.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is lined with leaves, bark, and other plant material.
Breeding Season :
Typically during the rainy season when food availability is higher.
Nesting Season :
Generally coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
White or cream-colored.
Egg Length :
Approximately 3.5 cm (1.4 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
Egg Width: Approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch).
Egg Weight: NA.
Clutch Size :
Usually 2-4 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Typically raises one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Around 16-17 days
Nestling Period :
About 25-30 days before fledging.
Vocalization :
Typically emits a series of melodious whistles and calls.
Sex Demorphism :
Generally similar in appearance between sexes
Migration Details :
Non-migratory Birds.
