Papuan Spinetail Mearnsia novaeguineae Scientific name definitions

11·5 cm. Small spinetail with large head, short square tail appearing rounded when spread, rectrix spines up to 1 mm beyond web, and distinct wing shape which is hooked in outer wing, has bulging midwing and then pinches in at body. Very glossy plumage, black with green sheen above; black tail and undertail-coverts; grey-brown throat with remainder of underparts strikingly white. Race buergersi has paler throat and relatively even whiter underparts.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Lowland species not recorded over 550 m. Found primarily over forested areas on coast and in interior; can be recorded around settlements. In lowland rainforest zone of Papua New Guinea recorded over forest edge and non-forest.

Resident; may show some local dispersal.

Typically forages in pairs or small flocks, groups over 40 not unknown. Often associates with swiftlets. Very active in crepuscular period. Feeds at low elevations, at tree height and below, particularly around dead trees. May take insects directly from foliage.

Rather silent. Occasionally gives a series of buzzy “zizz” or “sizz” calls. Also an unusual series of 3–4 squeaks, which have been likened to the noise made by toy rubber animals (1 Chantler, P.J. and Driessens, G. (1995). Swifts. A Guide to the Swifts and Treeswifts of the World. Pica Press, Robertsbridge, UK. Close ).

Breeds in second half of dry season in Trans-Vanapa, Central Province. Nests in hollows in trees; recorded entering hollow trunk of burnt sago palm, 7 m high; has been recorded collecting fibres from dry palms, which it presumably uses in nest construction.

Not globally threatened. Frequency varies locally from scarce to abundant in suitable habitat; locally common around Kiunga, on upper Fly R. Record in 1992 of 10 birds in W Vogelkop region, where species previously unknown may suggest dispersal or perhaps some sort of range expansion.