Black Sicklebill

## About

A male black sicklebill displaying courting behaviours.

    The black sicklebill ***(Epimachus fastosus)*** is one of the larger members of the birds of paradise family. The species is primarily found in the central regions of Papua New Guinea and the Vogelkop region surrounding the montane forests. The male black sicklebills typically have extremely long, luscious black tails that stretch around 47 cm alone (18 inches). However, the entire bird's size measures about 110 cm (43 inches) and weighs around 103–125g (3.6-4.4oz) (Male) and 92–138g (3.2-4.8oz (Female). Every bird of paradise has a different way of winning over the opposite sex. This is typically performed by males in a very flamboyant manner. The black sicklebill is no exception, as it portrays one of the most unique displays of any bird. When the mating season arrives, male black sicklebills perform a delightful display every morning around 5 times in order to attract females. Black sicklebills use their blue-hinted feathers along with silky black coloration to perform a display completely unique to their species. They also have small yellow feathers that appear right on their chest, playing an important role in their mating ritual. Male sicklebills are well-flighted despite their large tail. On the other end of the spectrum is the female black sicklebill. According to eBird, the female black sicklebill is a lot less characteristic in coloration, representing a more dull brownish-white hue. Although the females still have a curved beak and slight black coloration on their chest, as well as an orange set of feathers on top of their head. Black sicklebill females closely resemble the brown sicklebill ***(Epimachus meyeri)***, to which they are closely related.

## Diet

Like most other birds of paradise black sicklebill possess a rather simple diet that sustains its small size.The Australian Museum states that the black sicklebill is omnivorous and eats primarily fruits and small animals, particularly insects and invertebrates. They typically forages solitary although has been observed foraging in flocks. The beak of the black sicklebill is perfectly adapted to support their not so complex diet.

## Conservation Status

The black sicklebill is classed as least concern by the IUCN and exhibits a concerning population trend marked by a decline. The most significant factor contributing to this decline is the continued overhunting of the species, driven by the allure of its unique plumage, prominently used by indigenous groups as accessories and culturally significant ornaments. While measures have been taken to minimise non-traditional hunting of these birds in Papua New Guinea, the growing human population on the Island has given rise to substantial agricultural expansion within the range of species. The period between 2002 and 2014 witnessed a loss of 2% of Papua New Guinea's forest cover due to logging activities, worsening the threats faced by black sicklebills. Illegal hunters disproportionately target adult male specimens, resulting in a skewed demographic structure that inhibits reproductive success and raises concerns about the species' reproductive viability in the future. Despite a gradual shift away from the practice, various tribal groups persist in hunting black sicklebills for their vibrant plumage. Compounding the threat to the black sicklebill is the constrained habitat range dictated by its specific anatomy, rendering both the eastern and western regions inhospitable, due to the species' reliance on highlands and montane forests. As a result, the preservation of Papuan cloud and montane forests is highly important for the conservation of the black sicklebill.

## Range and Population

As stated by IUCN the black sicklebills population is largely distributed throughout the mountain ranges of both western and central New Guinea. Starting from the Vogelkop of West Papua which is located in Indonesia, all the way to the Bewani Mountains that are found in Papua New guinea. The species is typically seen to be quite prominent in populous regions as the black sicklebill been founded in places like the Arfak Mountains and the Tari Valley, both relatively populated regions of central New Guinea. The areas in which these birds occupy are typically densely forested regions across mountainous plains. The Australian Museum describes the black sicklebills included distributions such as the Bird’s Head and Wandammen Peninsulas, central cordillera from Weyland Mountains east to Kratke Range.

## Behaviour

All birds of paradise have specific of mating displays, with the black sicklebill's being among the most infamous. The black sicklebill uses its extremely long tail and attractive wing colouration to erect its body in a line and forming a larger mass overshadowing the female with his arched wings in an attempt to impress. The male will predominately perform this display on a perched dead branch primarily between the months of November to February. This species is also polygamous meaning that it may have multiple breeding partners within one season of mating.If the male's display is successful in impressing the female, the pair will copulate however, if the female is not impressed, she will simply fly away. Females will typically build the nest and tend to the offspring on their own without the help of the male black sicklebill. Black sicklebills also have varying calls and gestures that signify their mood, such as wing flapping and low pitch broadcasts. This is very similar behaviour to other birds of paradise across New Guinea.

## Relationship with Humans

As mentioned previously, the black sicklebill often lives in human populated regions and the birds are extensively hunted for cultural traditions. Feathers have been used for spiritual rituals in the past across Papua tribes as well as in the forms of dresses and other forms of accessory. Bird watching is also very prominent with this species because of their bright plumes and uniqueness, bringing ecotourism to the Island.

## In Captivity

There are currently no black sicklebills in captivity.

## Sources

* Black sicklebill | eBird - https://ebird.org/species/blasic1
* Black sicklebill | Australian Museum - https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/birds-of-paradise/black-sicklebill/
* Black sicklebill | IUCN - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22706151/118228172#geographic-range
* Black sicklebill | birdforum - https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Dictionary\_P-S#P
* Black sicklebill | ZOOINSTITUTES - https://zooinstitutes.com/diagram/diagram-of-visited-zoos.html#