Mottled Spinetail
Telacanthura ussheri
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<birdfyi-bird slug="telacanthura-ussheri"></birdfyi-bird>The Mottled Spinetail (Telacanthura ussheri) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 29.1 cm and a weight of 32.6 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A medium-sized spinetail swift (14-15 cm) found in tropical forests across sub-Saharan Africa. Dark plumage with white mottling on the throat and belly. Spine-tipped tail for clinging to vertical surfaces. Aerial insectivore. Nests inside hollow trees and palm trunks.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 29.1 cm | 11.5 in |
| Weight | 32.65 g | 1.15 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Large spinetail; dark blackish-brown upperparts; white-mottled pale greyish underparts creating distinctively spotted belly; white rump band; spiny tail tips; African forest species with unique mottled underpart pattern among spinetails.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found across sub-Saharan Africa from Gambia east to Ethiopia and south to Zambia. Resident in forest, forest edge, and savanna woodland.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial diet of small flying insects and spiders; forages at speed over forest and open country.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Clutch Size
4
Sound
Song
Harsh, grating screech followed by rapid chattering; loud, raspy trill repeated insistently near colony roost sites.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Telacanthura |
| Species | Telacanthura ussheri |
Distribution
Mottled Spinetail has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Mottled Spinetail eat?
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What does the Mottled Spinetail sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family