The black sicklebill is a large member of the birds of paradise family, Paradisaeidae. This species is found throughout most of central New Guinea and the Vogelkop region to the northwest in montane forests at altitudes from 1,800 to 2,150 m.
Black sicklebill
Male specimen of race atratus at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
Nominate female specimen at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
Nominate male specimen at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center. Note the pectoral fans, which are folded on this specimen.
The birds-of-paradise are members of the family Paradisaeidae of the order Passeriformes. The majority of species are found in eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and eastern Australia. The family has 45 species in 17 genera. The members of this family are perhaps best known for the plumage of the males of the species, the majority of which are sexually dimorphic. The males of these species tend to have very long, elaborate feathers extending from the beak, wings, tail, or head. For the most part, they are confined to dense rainforest habitats. The diet of all species is dominated by fruit and to a lesser extent arthropods. The birds-of-paradise have a variety of breeding systems, ranging from monogamy to lek-type polygamy.
Bird-of-paradise
Sicklebills such as this brown sicklebill have decurved bills.
Fruits of the genus Heptapleurum are an important part of the diet of the ribbon-tailed astrapia.
A male Victoria's riflebird displays and is inspected by a female.
