Sabine's Spinetail
Rhaphidura sabini
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<birdfyi-bird slug="rhaphidura-sabini"></birdfyi-bird>The Sabine's Spinetail (Rhaphidura sabini) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 24.7 cm and a weight of 17.8 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A small spinetail swift (11-12 cm) of lowland forests across West and Central Africa. Dark plumage with a white rump patch. Spine-tipped tail. Aerial insectivore, often seen foraging over forest canopy in mixed-species swift flocks. Nests in hollow trees.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 24.7 cm | 9.7 in |
| Weight | 17.75 g | 0.63 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; dark blackish-brown upperparts; white rump patch; underparts pale grey-white; short spiny tail; West African rainforest species; closely resembles Silver-rumped Spinetail but purer white rump with less silvery sheen.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in West and Central Africa from Sierra Leone east to the DRC and Uganda. Resident in lowland rainforest and forest edge.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore feeding on tiny flies, beetles, and ballooning spiders in rapid powerful aerial pursuit.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CV,HC.
Clutch Size
2-3
Sound
Song
Faint, needle-thin whistle tapering at the end; soft twittering interspersed with clicking flight notes, barely audible.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Rhaphidura |
| Species | Rhaphidura sabini |
Distribution
Sabine's Spinetail has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Sabine's Spinetail eat?
Where does the Sabine's Spinetail live?
Is the Sabine's Spinetail endangered?
How does the Sabine's Spinetail nest?
What does the Sabine's Spinetail sound like?
How big is the Sabine's Spinetail?
What order and family does the Sabine's Spinetail belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family