The Papuan Spine-tailed Swift (Mearnsia novaeguineae) is a bird species that belongs to the swift family Apodidae. This bird is native to the eastern regions of Papua New Guinea and a few other nearby islands in the Solomon Sea.
The Papuan Spine-tailed Swift is a small bird that measures about 14 cm in length and has a wingspan of around 25 cm. It has a dark brown or blackish plumage with a slightly glossy appearance. This bird is named after its unique feature, the spine-like feathers in the center of its tail that stick out slightly.
These birds inhabit the dense forests and mountainous regions of Papua New Guinea. They are known to roost in caves and cliffs during the day and emerge to hunt insects at dusk. They are also capable of catching insects on the wing, which they do by maneuvering their wings and tail feathers around their prey.
The Papuan Spine-tailed Swift is a very social bird, often found in groups of 10 to 20 birds, and in some cases, even larger colonies can be found. They communicate with one another through high-pitched chirping calls that are audible even at night.
Breeding season for these birds is between September to January. During this time, they build nests in caves and crevices using moss, lichen, and feathers found in the environment. Females lay only one egg per breeding season, which both parents will incubate and care for.
These birds are not considered threatened or endangered, although their populations may be declining due to habitat loss from deforestation. Currently, there are no conservation efforts in place for this species, but their status is something to keep an eye on for the future.
In summary, the Papuan Spine-tailed Swift is a fascinating bird species found in the dense forests of Papua New Guinea. They are known for their unique appearance and social behavior and play an important role in the ecosystem as insectivores.