Alternative names: Malagasy Spinetail; Madagascar Spine-tailed Swift; Malagasy Needletail
- Zoonavena grandidieri
Identification
With 12cm a small Spinetail
- Black brown upperparts with heavily streaked white rump
- Pale grey-brown underparts
- Spinetail winge shape: hooked in outer wing and bulging in midwing
- Square tail
- Retrix spines up to 3mm in male and 1.5mm in female
Distribution
Only found on Madagascar and Grand Comoro in Comoro Islands.
Rather common, especially in the east.
Taxonomy
Formerly placed in genus Chaetura.
Two subspecies recognized:
- Z.g. grandidieri on Madagascar
- Z.g. mariae on Grand Comoro with darker rump and shorter wings
Habitat
Occurs mainly over forest. Prefers forests with huge trees, but also seen over paddies. In Madagascar a lowland species and only accidentaly found higher than 1000m. On Grand Comoro usually found between 400 and 1750m.
Behaviour
Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Forages close to ground and low over canopy, usually alone, in pairs or in small flocks.
Breeding season believed to be from April to January, but maybe a year-round breeder. Nests in tree hollows, wells or rock niches. Nest build with vegetable matter and twigs.
Resident.
