São Tomé Spinetail
NameSão Tomé Spinetail
Common NameSão Tomé Spinetail
Scientific NameZoonavena thomensis
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsThis spinetail has dark sooty-brown upperparts that contrast with a prominent white rump and uppertail-coverts. The underparts are a paler greyish-brown. Its tail is short and square-ended, featuring stiff, projecting feather shafts (spines) typical of spinetails.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of high-pitched, rapid chattering or twittering calls, often uttered while the bird is in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of São Tomé, located in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa.
Identifying FeaturesProminent white rump contrasting with dark body, Short, square-ended tail with projecting spines, Dark sooty-brown plumage overall, Typical swift-like, agile flight, Endemic to São Tomé island
Description
The São Tomé Spinetail is a medium-sized swift endemic to São Tomé island. It is an aerial insectivore, spending most of its life in flight, often seen foraging over forests and near water sources like waterfalls.
