Small spinetail with large head, short square tail appearing rounded when spread, rectrix spines up to 1 mm beyond web, and distinct with shape which is hooked in outer wing, has bulging midwing and then pinches in at body. Very glossy plumage, balck with gree above, black tail and undertail-coverts, grey brown throat with reminders of underparts. Race buergesi has paler throat and relatively even white underparts.
Not Threatened.
Small spinetail with large head, short square tail appearing rounded when spread, rectrix spines up to 1 mm beyond web, and distinct with shape which is hooked in outer wing, has bulging midwing and then pinches in at body. Very glossy plumage, balck with gree above, black tail and undertail-coverts, grey brown throat with reminders of underparts. Race buergesi has paler throat and relatively even white underparts.
11.5 cm
Taxonomy:
- Chaetura novaeguineae D’Albertis and Salvadori, 1879, Fly River, New Guinea. Previously placed in Chaetura, and earlier in monospecific genus Papuanapus. Proposed race mamberana, known from mouth of Mamberano R, nowadays included in buergersi. Two subspecies currently recognized. (source: Handbook of the Birds of World)
Subspecies and Distribution:
- * buergersi (Reichenow, 1917) - N New Guinea. * novaeguineae (D’Albertis & Salvadori, 1879) - S & SE New Guinea.
Lowland species not recorded over 550 m. Primarily over forest areas on coastand in interior. Can be recorded around settlements.
Typically forages in pairs or small flocks, groups over 40 not unknown. Feeds in low elevations. May take insect directla from foliage.
In second half of dry season. Nest in hollowns in trees. Recorded in sago palm.