The Philippine spinetail, also known as the Philippine needletail or Philippine spine-tailed swift, is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found in the islands of Mindanao and Visayas. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests. It is becoming rare due to habitat loss.
Region
Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in remaining tracts of tropical moist lowland forest, including forest edges, secondary growth, and along major rivers. It forages chiefly above the canopy and over riparian corridors, clearings, and logged areas. The species favors landscapes with a mosaic of intact forest and open airspace for aerial hunting. Breeding is believed to occur in tree cavities or similar shelters within lowland forest. Extensive deforestation and conversion of lowland habitats continue to fragment its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, fast-flying needletail swift, it uses stiff spines at the tip of its very short tail to brace against vertical surfaces when roosting. It is often seen in small groups coursing over lowland forest and rivers, sometimes joining mixed swift flocks after rain to hawk emerging termites. Like other needletails, it is extraordinarily agile and spends most of its life on the wing. Ongoing loss of lowland forest in the Philippines is the main threat.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
very fast with short rapid wingbeats and sweeping, scything glides
Social Behavior
Frequently forages in small groups and may join mixed-species swift flocks over forest and rivers. Pairs likely nest in cavities of large trees, with little known about nest structure. Roosting may occur in tree hollows or on sheltered vertical surfaces where tail spines provide support.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin twitters and sharp chips while in rapid flight. Vocalizations are simple contact calls rather than elaborate songs.
