I often see Silver-rumped Spinetail Rhaphidura leucopygialis over the forest canopy along the Kledang Saiong Forest fringe, Ipoh, Perak, foraging for insects. On 17 June 2024 I saw a group of at least 8 birds. Initially they were foraging, but then they began rushing through the air, ‘chasing’ each other (see image 1); very much like the courtship behaviour of House Swift Apus nipalensis. They were too far away to hear any calls. While chasing each other, birds would intermittently flap or flutter their wings.
After some time, one pair appeared to have bonded, broke off from the pack and did an aerial duet display, mirroring each other’s flight pattern (see composite image 2). I did not observe any aerial copulation but the birds did appear to come very close.
There was one Silver-rumped Spinetail I found a bit odd (see image 3). It had a white marking on the chin. This is not a light reflection as is seen in a number of images. Wonder if some leucism or mouth open?
