Malimbus nitens
The Blue-billed Malimbe (*Malimbus nitens*) is a striking small passerine, measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5-5.5 inches) in length and weighing around 18-24 grams. Its most distinctive feature is a brilliant, conical bill of a vibrant cobalt-blue color that contrasts sharply with its entirely glossy black plumage. The eyes are typically a deep red, adding another touch of color to its otherwise dark appearance. While similar to other malimbes in its genus, the unique bill color provides an ...
Primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, including primary rainforests, secondary growth, gallery forests, and forest edges, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, caterpillars, ants, and other invertebrates, supplemented occasionally with small fruits. Forages by gleaning from leaves and bark.
These malimbes are diurnal birds, actively foraging through the mid-story and sub-canopy of their forest homes. They primarily employ a gleaning strategy, methodically searching foliage and bark for hidden invertebrates, often in pairs or small family groups. They frequently join mixed-species fo...
The Blue-billed Malimbe is a resident species distributed across a broad band of West and Central Africa. Its breeding range extends from Sierra Leone and Liberia in the west, eastward through Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Nigeria. Further east, it inhabits Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the...
Least Concern
- The Blue-billed Malimbe's scientific name, *Malimbus nitens*, uses the Latin 'nitens' meaning "shining" or "gleaming," likely referring to its glossy black plumage or its remarkably bright blue bill. - Unlike many weaver species that display red or yellow bills, the Blue-billed Malimbe's striki...