Papuan Spinetail
Mearnsia novaeguineae
A small, short-tailed swift over lowland forest and open areas. Stubby-body, pale belly contrasting with short, dark, square tail. Distinguished from other swiftlets by distinctive cut-out in the base of the hindwing and also translucent base to the flight feathers. Less soaring and more ‘twitchy’ flight than other swiftlet species. Voice, typical swiftlike chips, screeches and chatters.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Mearnsia novaeguineae
- Authority
- (D'Albertis & Salvadori, 1879)
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Apodidae
- Genus
- Mearnsia
Range and habitat
Endemic to New Guinea where it is widespread in the lowlands and hills up to 550 m. It has been recorded from Boigu Island, Queensland, Australian territory in north-western Torres Strait. Forest edges, gardens and cleared areas with standing dead trees.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
Common and widespread species assessed as being of Least Concern.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Small, rather drab, crested flycatcher of arid scrubby woodland in the interior highlands of southwest Mexico. Mostly retiring and easily overlooked unless singing. Looks similar to several species of Empidonax flycatchers (such as Dusky Flycatcher) and even jerks its tail upwards like Dusky, but note the spiky crest (can be held flattened), bright pinkish-orange underside to the bill, and voice (does not have a “whit” call like most Empidonax).
Chapin's Apalis
Apalis chapini
Dark gray apalis with a rufous throat and breast. The color of the chin varies geographically: white in the north and rufous in the south. Found mainly in the canopy of montane forest. Usually in pairs or small groups which will join mixed-species flocks. The main vocalization is a quick series of high, insect-likes calls by the male, usually accompanied by “tip” notes from the female. Somewhat similar to African Tailorbird, but much longer-tailed, and with more rufous on the throat and less on the head.
Gray-capped Flycatcher
Myiozetetes granadensis
Medium-sized flycatcher with bright yellow belly. Head pattern not bold: overall gray with white throat and diffuse white forehead. Smaller with smaller bill than Tropical Kingbird. Similar to Social Flycatcher but lacks striped head pattern. Fairly common in second growth, forest edge, and gardens; often perches conspicuously. Usually seen singly or in pairs.
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