White-bellied Spinetail
NameWhite-bellied Spinetail
Common NameWhite-bellied Spinetail
Scientific NameChaetura spinicaudus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)27.5
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsDark sooty-brown on the upperparts, head, and breast, with a distinct white belly and undertail coverts. The throat is typically a paler greyish-brown.
Vocalization / CallProduces high-pitched, rapid chattering or twittering calls, often vocalizing while in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Dark sooty-brown upperparts, Contrasting white belly, Short tail with projecting feather shafts, Rapid, erratic flight
Description
This small swift is characterized by its dark sooty-brown plumage contrasting with a white belly and vent. It is an aerial insectivore, spending most of its time in rapid, erratic flight over various open and semi-open habitats.
