Black Scimitarbill

The black scimitarbill, known scientifically as Rhinopomastus aterrimus and colloquially as the black wood hoopoe, is a distinctive avian species belonging to the family Phoeniculidae.

Identification Tips

This bird can be recognized by its striking all-black plumage, which gleams with iridescent shades under the right lighting conditions. Its long, curved bill, reminiscent of a scimitar, is a defining feature that aids in its identification.

Habitat

The black scimitarbill is typically found in savanna habitats, where it can make the most of its adaptations.

Distribution

The species has a broad range across the African continent, being spotted in countries such as Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the black scimitarbill as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, the species does not face any imminent risk of extinction.