The Philippine Spine-tailed Swift, scientifically known as Mearnsia picina, is a small bird that is found only in the Philippines. It is a part of the Apodidae family, which also includes the swifts and the hummingbirds. The bird has a unique spine-like pointed tail that makes it easily identifiable.
The Philippine Spine-tailed Swift measures approximately 13 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 22 cm. It has a glossy blackish-brown plumage and a small white patch on its chin. Its bill is short and black, and its legs are small and weak. The bird's spine-like tail feathers are longer than its body, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance.
The Philippine Spine-tailed Swift is known to inhabit humid forests, mountains, and lowlands, and it is usually found at high elevations above sea level. The bird feeds on insects, which it catches while in flight. It is a fast flyer and can hover in mid-air for long periods, making it easy for it to catch flying insects.
The breeding season for the Philippine Spine-tailed Swift is from March to August, and during this time, the males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract a mate. The female then builds a nest using its saliva to stick feathers, moss, and other materials to the chosen nesting site.
The Philippine Spine-tailed Swift is currently classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its declining population size and restricted range. This species is threatened by habitat loss caused by deforestation, mining, and forest fires.
Efforts are being made to conserve this species through the establishment of protected areas where the bird can live and breed undisturbed. The Philippine government has recently passed laws to protect the country's forests, which will benefit not only the Philippine Spine-tailed Swift but also other threatened species that live in the area.
In conclusion, the Philippine Spine-tailed Swift is a fascinating and unique bird that is endemic to the Philippines. Despite its small size, it plays an important role in the ecosystem by controlling the population of insects. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this vulnerable species and to preserve the country's rich biodiversity.