Sabine's spinetail is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is widespread across the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
It is widespread through the African tropical rainforest belt, from Upper Guinea (e.g., Sierra Leone and Liberia) through the Congo Basin to western Uganda and northwestern Angola. It favors lowland evergreen rainforest but also uses secondary forests, forest edges, river corridors, and clearings. Birds often forage above the canopy and along watercourses where insects concentrate. It adapts to selectively logged areas provided sufficient tall trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Sabine's spinetail is a small swift that spends much of its life on the wing over Africa’s tropical rainforests. Its tail feathers end in stiff spines that help it brace against vertical surfaces when roosting. Like other swifts, it is an agile aerial insect hunter and often gathers over rivers and forest clearings after rains when insect activity peaks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, agile flier with rapid wingbeats interspersed with brief glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups or loose flocks, especially when insects are abundant. Pairs nest in cavities or sheltered crevices in large trees or similar sites, sometimes in loose colonies. Both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin twittering and rapid chips given in flight. Calls often intensify over feeding swarms and around nesting sites.
