Black spinetail

Overview

Wikipedia

The black spinetail is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest.

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Distribution

Region

West and Central Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs over lowland tropical rainforest, forest edges, and clearings, frequently following river corridors and swampy basins. It is most often seen high over the canopy but will descend to feed over open tracks, logged areas, and villages near forest. The species commonly assembles over termite and ant swarms after rains and may join mixed swifts. Breeding and roosting sites are typically in natural cavities such as tree holes and dead palm stems within or adjacent to forest.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size14–17 cm

Wing Span30–34 cm

Male Weight0.026 kg

Female Weight0.028 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A swift of the African rainforest, the black spinetail spends most of its life on the wing, catching insects in fast, agile flight. Its tail feathers end in stiff, needle-like tips that help it brace against vertical surfaces when roosting or at nest sites. It often gathers over forest clearings and rivers, especially during termite emergences.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

very fast flier with rapid, powerful wingbeats and short glides

Social Behavior

Often forages in small to large flocks, sometimes mixing with other swifts above clearings and rivers. Pairs likely nest in natural cavities, including tree holes and dead palm trunks, and may form loose colonies. Courtship and pair-bonding occur on the wing, with high-speed chases and displays.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives thin, high-pitched twitters and rapid trills while in flight. Vocalizations are brief and insect-like, often heard as flocks circle over feeding areas.

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Identification

Leg Colorblackish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Uniform sooty-black to blackish with a slight gloss; compact body, very long scythe-like wings, and a short squared tail with stiff, spine-tipped rectrices.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Consumes aerial insects, chiefly alate termites, ants, small beetles, and flies caught on the wing. Often exploits mass emergences of winged termites after rainstorms. Foraging occurs at varying heights from canopy level to far above the treetops, with quick directional changes to seize prey.

Preferred Environment

Hunts above forest canopy, along forest edges, and over rivers, swamps, and open clearings. Also feeds over roads and villages adjacent to intact forest, especially when insect swarms are present.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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