White-tipped Sicklebill
Scientific name: Eutoxeres aquila
The White-tipped Sicklebill is a medium-sized, highly specialized hummingbird of humid forest understory from Costa Rica through western Colombia and Ecuador to northern Peru and western Venezuela. The global population is estimated at 50,000–499,999 mature individuals, the trend is decreasing, it is not a migrant, and it is currently assessed as Least Concern.
At a Glance
Family: Trochilidae (hummingbirds)
Clade: Phaethornithinae – Hermits
Genus: Eutoxeres — 2 species in total
Range: Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, northern Peru, western Venezuela
Habitat: Humid foothill and montane evergreen forest understory, especially along streams and in Heliconia thickets
Elevation: Roughly 300–2,100 m, locally from near sea level up to about 2,100 m
Length: About 11.5–13.5 cm (4.5–5.3 in)
Weight: About 8.6–14.5 g (0.30–0.51 oz)
Number of mature individuals: 50,000–499,999
Population trend: Decreasing
Movement: Not a migrant
IUCN Red List category: Least Concern
Name Origin
The genus name Eutoxeres comes from Greek roots meaning “well‑curved,” referring to its extreme bill curvature. The species name aquila means “eagle,” likely a nod to its powerful build and hooked bill profile. The English name “White-tipped Sicklebill” highlights both the sickle‑shaped bill and the conspicuous white tips of the tail feathers.
Taxonomy
Eutoxeres aquila is a hermit hummingbird in the subfamily Phaethornithinae and shares its genus with the Buff-tailed Sicklebill (Eutoxeres condamini).
Subspecies and Distribution
Three subspecies:
Eutoxeres aquila salvini
Distribution: Costa Rica to western Colombia.Eutoxeres aquila heterurus
Distribution: Western Andes from southwest Colombia (Cauca) to southwest Ecuador.Eutoxeres aquila aquila
Distribution: Eastern Andes from Colombia south to northern Peru; recently recorded in western Venezuela (Mérida).
Legend
Green Resident
Species Overview
The White-tipped Sicklebill is one of the most specialized hummingbirds, instantly recognized by its long, strongly decurved bill and white‑tipped tail. It lives in the dim understory of humid foothill and montane forests, where it is often elusive despite its size. Its bill closely matches the curved corollas of Heliconia and other tubular flowers, making it an important specialized pollinator.
Male Description
A chunky hummingbird with dark, iridescent green upperparts and heavily mottled or scaly underparts in green, buff, and brown tones. The long, strongly decurved bill is broad at the base and narrows toward the tip, giving a distinctive profile. The tail is dark with bold white tips that are especially visible in flight or when flared. Overall, the bird appears dark and patterned, with the tail and bill providing the key field marks.
Female Description
Females are very similar to males in size and plumage, sharing the dark green upperparts, mottled underparts, curved bill, and white‑tipped tail. Sexual dimorphism is subtle; both sexes have the characteristic sicklebill structure. Juveniles resemble adults but can appear slightly duller with fresher feather edges.
Habitat & Behavior
White-tipped Sicklebills inhabit the understory of humid evergreen forest, especially along streams, in ravines, and in dense Heliconia patches. They are typically found at mid‑elevations within the foothill and lower montane zones. They feed primarily on nectar from strongly curved flowers, including Heliconia and Centropogon, often clinging to the flower rather than hovering and sometimes feeding from below or at odd angles. They also take small arthropods, which they glean from trunks, branches, and spiderwebs. Their foraging style is traplining, following a regular circuit of flowers instead of defending a single territory.
Breeding
The breeding biology is less well known than in many more common hummingbirds, but the female builds a small, camouflaged cup nest of plant fibers, moss, and spiderweb placed in sheltered understory sites. The typical clutch is two white eggs. As in other hummingbirds, the female incubates and cares for the young alone, with incubation and nestling periods likely spanning several weeks in the humid forest environment.
Movement
The species is considered non‑migratory. It remains within its elevational and geographic range year‑round, although individuals may shift locally up and down slopes or along valleys in response to changes in flowering and rainfall. These movements are local rather than true long‑distance migrations.
Population
With an estimated 50,000–499,999 mature individuals, the White-tipped Sicklebill is globally uncommon, but can be locally regular in areas with abundant Heliconia and suitable evergreen forest. Its highly specialized foraging and habitat needs limit its abundance, and ongoing deforestation and forest degradation contribute to a decreasing population trend.
Conservation
The species is currently listed as Least Concern, thanks to its broad overall range and presence in several countries, including some protected areas. However, its dependence on intact humid forest understory and Heliconia‑rich habitats makes it vulnerable to forest loss, fragmentation, and land‑use change at foothill and montane elevations. Protecting evergreen forests, riparian corridors, and understory Heliconia stands is important for maintaining healthy populations.
Below are individuals of the White-tipped Sicklebill (Eutoxeres aquila aquila)
Photographed at:
RN Retorno del Colibrí, Tolima, Colombia
These individuals belong to the subspecies aquila, found in the eastern Andes from Colombia south to northern Peru, with recent records from Mérida in western Venezuela. It occupies humid montane forest edges and shady ravines, feeding almost exclusively on deeply curved flowers. The curved bill and contrasting white-tipped tail feathers are consistent across its range.
Below are individuals of the White-tipped Sicklebill (Eutoxeres aquila salvini)
Photographed at:
Nectar & Pollen Reserve, Limón, Costa Rica
Esquipulas Rainforest Lodge, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
These individuals belong to the subspecies salvini, which ranges from Costa Rica through western Panama into western Colombia. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests, often foraging in dense Heliconia patches along streams and ravines. This population is notable for its strong association with curved-blossomed flowers and its broad white-tipped tail.
For more details on the trips behind this species, visit the Costa Rica Hummingbird Expedition | July 2025 page and explore My Travel 2025-05 Costa Rica for guides and trip reports.
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Related species in the Eutoxeres genus (2 species total)
Please note: The content provided in this article reflects Anthony’s personal experience and photographic approach. Results can vary depending on light, weather, location, equipment, subject behavior, and field conditions.