The Madagascar spinetail, Madagascan spinetail or Malagasy spinetail is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is found in Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte.
Region
Western Indian Ocean islands (Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely over Madagascar and neighboring islands of the Comoros and Mayotte, most frequently above humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests. It also ranges over forest edges, river corridors, clearings, and occasionally coastal zones and plantations. The species typically hunts high over the canopy but will descend to lower levels during insect emergences. Roosting and nesting are associated with natural cavities and sheltered crevices near forested habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small swift spends most of its life on the wing, catching insects in fast, agile flights above forests and waterways. The 'spinetail' name comes from stiffened tail feathers that help it brace against vertical surfaces when roosting. It often forages in loose flocks and may join other swift species over insect swarms. As an aerial insectivore, it provides valuable natural pest control.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast and agile with rapid, flickering wingbeats and sweeping arcs
Social Behavior
Often forages in small to medium aerial flocks, sometimes mixing with other swift species above the canopy. Pairs are presumed monogamous and nest in cavities or crevices, with both adults attending the young. Roosts communally on protected vertical surfaces where tail spines provide support.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched twitters and thin, buzzy trills exchanged in flight. Calls intensify during group foraging and near nesting or roosting sites.
Plumage
Compact swift with sooty-brown upperparts and contrasting paler underparts; often shows a whitish throat and belly with a darker breast area. Wings are narrow and scythe-shaped; tail appears short and squared with subtle spines at the tips.
Diet
Aerial insectivore feeding on small flying insects such as flies, beetles, flying ants, and termites. It captures prey on the wing using a wide gape and swift, agile maneuvers. During mass emergences of winged insects, it may gather in conspicuous feeding flocks.
Preferred Environment
Usually feeds over forest canopies, along river corridors, and above clearings where insect densities are high. It also hunts above wetlands and coastal areas and occasionally over villages bordering forest.
