Mottled Spinetail vs Bat-like Spinetail

In short

The Mottled Spinetail and Bat-like Spinetail are both medium-sized swifts with distinct wing and tail shapes. The Mottled Spinetail features a pale-mottled throat and ventral area, while the Bat-like Spinetail is generally darker with less contrast in its plumage. Both species are relatively silent, but the Mottled Spinetail has a more distinctive call.

Identification tips

1. Throat and Ventral Area: Look for the pale-mottled throat and ventral area on the Mottled Spinetail. 2. Overall Darkness: The Bat-like Spinetail is generally darker with less contrast. 3. Call: Listen for the distinctive calls of the Mottled Spinetail if vocalizations are heard.

Size

Both species are similar in size, with the Mottled Spinetail measuring around 14 cm.

Plumage

The Mottled Spinetail has a pale-mottled throat and ventral area on otherwise black-brown upperparts and underparts. In contrast, the Bat-like Spinetail is darker overall with less contrasting plumage.

Behaviour

Both species are highly mobile and often seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes associating with other swifts and hirundines.

Voice

The Mottled Spinetail is rather silent but has a repeated rhythmic call and a longer 'shree-shree-skii-skirrrrrreeeee' sound. The Bat-like Spinetail's vocalizations are less documented.