Philippine spinetail
{{Short description|Species of bird}}
{{Speciesbox
| name =
| image = PH Spinetail (cropped).jpg
| status = NT
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| genus = Mearnsia
| species = picina
| authority = (Tweeddale, 1879)
| synonyms =
}}
The Philippine spinetail (Mearnsia picina), also known as the Philippine needletail or Philippine spine-tailed swift, is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found in the islands of Mindanao and Visayas. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests. It is becoming rare due to habitat loss.
Description
EBird describes the bird as "A little-known medium-sized, short-tailed swift found over forest, usually at higher elevations. Mainly black with obvious white throat and underwing patches. Wing shape is unusual, with a "cut-out" next to the body and pointed wing tips curved backward. Tail square, with spines that are difficult to see. Distinguished from other swifts in its range by the white marks under the wings. Voice unknown."{{Cite web|title=Philippine Spine-tailed Swift|url=https://ebird.org/species/phinee1/|website=Ebird}}
Formerly placed in the genus Chaetura but is now in Mearnsia. This species is monotypic and has no subspecies.{{Cite journal |last1=Chantler |first1=Philip |last2=Kirwan |first2=Guy M. |date=2020 |title=Philippine Spinetail (Mearnsia picina), version 1.0 |url=https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/phinee1/1.0/introduction |journal=Birds of the World |language=en |doi=10.2173/bow.phinee1.01 |issn=2771-3105|url-access=subscription }}
Behaviour and ecology
Habitat and conservation status
It appears to be reliant upon forested streams below 1,000 m and will tolerate secondary and selectively logged forest and even streamside vegetation within coconut plantations, close to forest edge.
IUCN has assessed this bird as near threatened.This species' main threat is habitat loss with wholesale clearance of forest habitats as a result of logging, agricultural conversion and mining activities occurring within the range. The close association with lowland forests suggests that this species may be highly susceptible to habitat loss through commercial logging, conversion for agriculture and plantation forestry, as well as urban developments and mining
References
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Category:Birds of the Philippines
Category:Endemic birds of the Philippines
Category:Near threatened animals
Category:Near threatened biota of Asia
Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot
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