The Papuan spinetail, also known as the Papuan needletail, New Guinea spine-tailed swift or Papuan spine-tailed swift, is a small, stocky swift with a short, rounded tail and very fast flight. Head and upperparts glossy blue-black, white or whitish belly and undertail coverts, dark underwing with pale central stripe. The small spines at the end of the tail are not visible in flight.
Region
New Guinea and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Occurs across the lowlands and foothills of New Guinea, in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua, with records on some adjacent islands. It frequents lowland rainforest edges, river corridors, secondary growth, coconut groves, and village clearings. The species is most often seen coursing over open areas near forest, including mangroves and coastal zones. It remains largely absent from high montane habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny swift is built for speed, with scythe-like wings and a short rounded tail tipped with small spines that help it brace on vertical surfaces. The bold white belly and undertail contrast with its glossy blue-black upperparts, making it distinctive in flight. It often forages low over rivers and forest clearings, especially during insect hatches after rain.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
very fast, strong flier with rapid wingbeats and swift glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in small, loose flocks or mixed swift groups, especially over rivers and forest edges. Pairs form for breeding and likely nest in cavities of dead trees or in palm crowns. Roosting is communal where suitable sheltered sites are available.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high-pitched twittering and chittering calls while in swift, continuous flight. Vocalizations are rapid and insect-like, more functional contact calls than musical songs.
Plumage
Glossy blue-black head and upperparts with a clear white or whitish belly and undertail coverts; underwings dark with a paler central panel.
Diet
An aerial insectivore that hawks flying insects on the wing. It takes ants, termites, beetles, flies, and other small invertebrates, often concentrating where emergences are dense. After rain, it gathers over rivers, wetlands, and forest edges to exploit swarming insects. Prey is captured with a wide gape during fast, agile flight.
Preferred Environment
Feeds over open airspace above lowland rainforest, along rivers and oxbows, over mangroves, coastal flats, plantations, and village clearings. It commonly works along forest edges and over canopy gaps where insect abundance is high.
