© Doug Hitchcox
© Fernando Burgalin Sequeria
© Ting-Wei (廷維) HUNG (洪)
© Roger Ahlman
+ 2
© Letha Slagle

White-tipped Sicklebill Eutoxeres aquila

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

This streaky hummingbird has a remarkably decurved bill like a Velociraptor claw. The bill shape alone distinguishes it from all hummingbirds except the very similar Buff-tailed Sicklebill, which only overlaps in some areas of the range. Look at the tail pattern to separate the two species: White-tipped is well-named with only white tips on the tail feathers, while Buff-tailed has more extensive buff on the outer tail feathers. Sicklebills are most often seen feeding on Heliconia flowers in the dark forest understory; they’re generally uncommon and fast-moving, difficult to get a look at. Does not visit feeders.

POWERED BY MERLIN