Mottled Spinetail
Telacanthura ussheri
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À propos
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Envergure | 29,1 cm | 11.5 in |
| Poids | 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
Répartition géographique
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.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Taille de la couvée
4
Son
Chant
Harsh, grating screech followed by rapid chattering; loud, raspy trill repeated insistently near colony roost sites.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Famille | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Telacanthura |
| Espèces | Telacanthura ussheri |
Distribution
Mottled Spinetail has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the Mottled Spinetail eat?
Where does the Mottled Spinetail live?
Is the Mottled Spinetail endangered?
What does the Mottled Spinetail sound like?
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What order and family does the Mottled Spinetail belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family