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Sao Tome Spinetail

Zoonavena thomensis

Least Concern
Envergure
21,9 cm
Poids
8,0 g
Famille
Apodidae
Ordre
Caprimulgiformes

À propos

A medium-sized spinetail swift (12-13 cm) endemic to the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea. Dark plumage. Aerial insectivore, foraging over forest canopy. Colonial nester. Restricted range on two small islands. Classified as Near Threatened.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Envergure 21,9 cm 8.6 in
Poids 8,0 g 0.28 oz

Identification

Plumage

Tiny; dark blackish-brown upperparts; white rump patch; pale whitish underparts; short spiny tail; São Tomé Island endemic; very similar to Madagascar Spinetail but restricted to Gulf of Guinea; one of Africa's smallest swifts.

Habitat & Range

Répartition géographique

Endemic to São Tomé Island in the Gulf of Guinea. Resident in lowland forest and forest edge. Small island population vulnerable to habitat loss.

Diet & Feeding

Aerial insectivore feeding on tiny flies, beetles, and ballooning spiders in rapid powerful aerial pursuit.

Statut de conservation

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Comportement et reproduction

Nidification

Nest type: CP.

Taille de la couvée

2-4

Son

Chant

Sharp, high-frequency twittering with staccato clicking notes; rapid-fire chips strung together in buzzy aerial sequences.

Taxonomie

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Ordre Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts)
Famille Apodidae (Swifts)
Genus Zoonavena
Espèces Zoonavena thomensis

Distribution

Sao Tome Spinetail has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Présent Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Foire aux questions

What does the Sao Tome Spinetail eat?
Aerial insectivore feeding on tiny flies, beetles, and ballooning spiders in rapid powerful aerial pursuit.
Where does the Sao Tome Spinetail live?
Endemic to São Tomé Island in the Gulf of Guinea. Resident in lowland forest and forest edge. Small island population vulnerable to habitat loss.
Is the Sao Tome Spinetail endangered?
The Sao Tome Spinetail has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Sao Tome Spinetail nest?
Nest type: CP.
What does the Sao Tome Spinetail sound like?
Sharp, high-frequency twittering with staccato clicking notes; rapid-fire chips strung together in buzzy aerial sequences.
How big is the Sao Tome Spinetail?
The Sao Tome Spinetail has a wingspan of 21.9 cm, weight of 8.0 g.
What order and family does the Sao Tome Spinetail belong to?
The Sao Tome Spinetail (Zoonavena thomensis) belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes and the family Apodidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Apodidae family

Comparer

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