Yellow-breasted Boatbill

The Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Machaerirhynchus flaviventer, is a diminutive bird, with a length ranging from 11 to 12.5 cm and an average weight of 9-10 grams. Its most striking feature is the large, boat-shaped bill, black in color, wide, long, and flat, with a hooked tip. The bird's underparts are a vivid yellow, extending up to its breast, while the throat area is white. A yellow stripe adorns the forehead, resembling eyebrows. Males display a black upper side, while females are a lighter olive hue. Both sexes have white wing bars and a long black tail that is often held erect.

Identification Tips

To identify the Yellow-breasted Boatbill, look for the bright yellow breast, the distinctive boat-shaped bill, and the white wing bars. The male's black upper side contrasts with the female's olive coloration. The bird's large round eyes and hooked bill tip are also key identification features.

Habitat

This species thrives in subtropical or tropical moist forests, showing no particular preference for altitude. It is often found high in the canopy, safe from predators, and descends only to forage.

Distribution

The Yellow-breasted Boatbill is found across New Guinea and extends into Far North Queensland, Australia. It is not endemic to any specific country or island and has a broad distribution, with higher densities in the rainforests of North Queensland.

Behaviour

The Yellow-breasted Boatbill is known to be reclusive, often living in pairs and displaying a strong partnership in raising their young. The average clutch size is two eggs. Males are primarily responsible for nest building, which occurs high above the ground. The nests are somewhat flimsy but serve their purpose well. Parents exhibit diligent care when exchanging nesting duties, ensuring their eggs are exposed for the briefest moments.

Song & Calls

The mating call of the Yellow-breasted Boatbill is a harmonious song composed of chirps, tweets, cheeps, and trills, which is used to communicate between mates and during the nesting period.

Diet and Feeding

The bird's unique bill shape is an adaptation for hunting airborne insects. It also forages for earthworms and other insects on the forest floor, especially after rainfall, and near riverbanks beneath foliage.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Yellow-breasted Boatbill as Least Concern. Its wide range and stable population size do not warrant immediate conservation action. However, it is sensitive to the effects of climate change, which could impact its habitat in the future. Protected areas in Northern Queensland provide a safe haven for this species.