Papuan spinetail

Papuan spinetail
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Apodiformes
Family:	Apodidae
Genus:	Mearnsia
Species:	M. novaeguineae
Binomial name
Mearnsia novaeguineae (D'Albertis & Salvadori, 1879)

The Papuan spinetail (Mearnsia novaeguineae), also known as the Papuan needletail, New Guinea spine-tailed swift or Papuan spine-tailed swift, is a species of swift native to the island of New Guinea.

Description

Mearnsia novaeguineae is a small (11.5 cm in length), stocky swift with a short, rounded tail. Tail spines extend up to 1 mm beyond the web of the tail. Head and upperparts glossy green-black, grey-throat with a white underside. Wings display hooked ends, and are widest at the middle before tapering into the body.

Distribution

Endemic to New Guinea where it is widespread in the lowlands and hills up to 550 m. In 2004, the species was first recorded in Australia when three individuals were observed on Boigu Island, Queensland.

Habitat

Forest edges, gardens and cleared areas with standing dead trees.

Food

Flying insects.

Breeding

Nests in high tree hollows, and may partially construct nest out of dry palm fibres.

Conservation

Common and widespread species assessed as being of Least Concern, though population size appears to be decreasing.

References

• Beehler, Bruce M.; & Finch, Brian W. (1985). Species Checklist of the Birds of New Guinea. RAOU Monograph No.1. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union: Melbourne. ISBN 0-9599823-2-9
• Beehler, Bruce M.; Pratt, Thane K.; & Zimmerman, Dale A. (1986). Birds of New Guinea. Wau Ecology Handbook No.9. Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-691-02394-8
• Coates, Brian J. (1985). The Birds of Papua New Guinea. Volume 1: Non-Passerines. Dover Publications: Alderley, Queensland. ISBN 0-9590257-0-7

This Apodiformes-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information.

• v
• t
• e