Black Sicklebill

The Black Sicklebill (Epimachus fastosus) stands as a prominent member of the expansive bird of paradise family, celebrated for its impressive size and distinctive features. The male, measuring a substantial 110 cm in length, proudly holds the distinction of being the second-longest species within the bird of paradise group. This captivating bird calls the high mountain ranges home, situated at elevations ranging from 1800 to 2150 meters. Its vocal call echoes through the forest, resembling a loud gunshot. Each morning, it graces the lek, engaging in a mesmerizing dance routine. My fascination with the Black Sicklebill prompted a 20-day expedition to West Papua, Indonesia. The endeavor to capture its essence through photography proved physically demanding, navigating challenging terrain. The bird's elusive nature compelled me to endure strenuous hikes, enduring over two hours of steep ascents to camp for two nights. Nestled in the forests where we established our camp, the Black Sicklebill revealed itself sparingly, gracing us with its presence at its lek only once a day at 6 a.m., lasting for a captivating 30 minutes. Regrettably, during our two mornings there, we could only witness this magnificent creature for a mere 15 minutes on one occasion. Kindly subscribe and hit the like button to help sustain more videos like this in the future. I travel extensively, circling the globe 8-10 times each year to create these videos. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you!