Rhinopomastus aterrimus
The Black Scimitarbill (Rhinopomastus aterrimus) is an intriguing, medium-sized avian specialist found across sub-Saharan Africa. Distinguished by its entirely glossy black plumage, which can exhibit subtle iridescent purple or green sheens in direct sunlight, it possesses a remarkably long, slender, and strongly decurved black bill, resembling a scimitar. This unique bill, measuring 5-6 cm, is its primary tool for foraging and a key identification mark, setting it apart from its close relati...
Found in open woodlands, savannas (especially Acacia and Combretum), and riparian gallery forests, typically avoiding dense rainforests. It occurs from sea level up to elevations of 2000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, termites, beetles, caterpillars, and their larvae, as well as spiders. It forages by probing and prying insects from tree bark and crevices.
Black Scimitarbills are diurnal and often observed singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, foraging actively through the canopy and mid-story. Their foraging technique is highly acrobatic; they cling to bark like nuthatches, often hanging upside down, using their long, decurved bill to probe...
The Black Scimitarbill has a wide, albeit somewhat disjunct, distribution across sub-Saharan Africa. Its breeding range extends from Senegal in the west, eastward through the Sahel and Guinea-Sudanian savanna belts to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south through the equatorial forests and woodlands to...
Least Concern
- The Black Scimitarbill is one of only two species in its genus, Rhinopomastus, distinct from the larger woodhoopoes. - Its long, decurved bill is perfectly adapted for reaching hidden insects, acting like a specialized probe and pry bar. - Despite its 'scimitarbill' name, it is more closely rel...