Papuan spinetail
Species of bird
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
| 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) | |
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]
