Cassin's Spinetail
Neafrapus cassini
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<birdfyi-bird slug="neafrapus-cassini"></birdfyi-bird>The Cassin's Spinetail (Neafrapus cassini) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 31.2 cm and a weight of 39.5 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A medium-sized swift (13-14 cm) of lowland tropical forests from Sierra Leone to Uganda. Dark plumage with a white belly patch. Spine-tipped tail feathers. Aerial insectivore, foraging in rapid, bat-like flight over the forest canopy. Colonial nester in hollow trees.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 31.2 cm | 12.3 in |
| Weight | 39.5 g | 1.39 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Medium-large; dark blackish-brown upperparts; white rump patch; pale whitish underparts; very short stubby spinetail; Central African forest species; short rounded tail with spiny tips distinctive; larger and broader-winged than smaller spinetails.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in Central and East Africa from Cameroon east to Kenya and Tanzania. Resident in lowland rainforest and gallery forest.
Diet & Feeding
Catches aerial plankton of small insects and spiders in fast sweeping flight; roosts in rock crevices.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Loud, penetrating screech followed by descending chatter; harsh staccato calls echoing through African forest understory.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Neafrapus |
| Species | Neafrapus cassini |
Distribution
Cassin's Spinetail has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Cassin's Spinetail eat?
Where does the Cassin's Spinetail live?
Is the Cassin's Spinetail endangered?
What does the Cassin's Spinetail sound like?
How big is the Cassin's Spinetail?
What order and family does the Cassin's Spinetail belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family