Papuan spinetail
| Papuan spinetail | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Clade: | Strisores |
| 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
M. 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.[2]
Distribution
Endemic to New Guinea where it is widespread in the lowlands and hills up to 550 m.[3] In 2004, the species was first recorded in Australia when three individuals were observed on Boigu Island, Queensland.[4]
Habitat
Forest edges, gardens and cleared areas with standing dead trees.[2]
Food
Flying insects.
Breeding
Nests in high tree hollows, and may partially construct nest out of dry palm fibres.[2]
Conservation
Common and widespread species assessed as being of Least Concern, though population size appears to be decreasing.[1]
References
- ^ a b BirdLife International (2024). "Mearnsia novaeguineae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2024 e.T22686634A264092927. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-2.RLTS.T22686634A264092927.en.
- ^ a b c Chantler, P.; Boesman, P.F.D. (2020). del Hoyo, A. Elliott; Sargatal, J.; Christie, D.A.; de Juana, E. (eds.). "Papuan Spinetail (Mearnsia novaeguineae)". Birds of the World. Ithaca, NY: Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
- ^ BirdLife International (2024). "Species factsheet: Papuan Spinetail Mearnsia novaeguineae". DataZone by BirdLife.
- ^ Clarke, Rohan H. (2006). "Papuan Spine-tailed Swifts Mearnsia novaeguineae on Boigu Island, Torres Strait, Queensland". Australian Field Ornithology. 23 (3): 125–129.
- 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