The black-capped speirops is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It was previously placed in the genus Speirops. It is endemic to São Tomé in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Region
Gulf of Guinea islands
Typical Environment
Restricted to the island of São Tomé, where it is most frequent in montane and cloud forests. It uses mature native forest, forest edges, and older secondary growth, and may venture into shaded agricultural areas near intact habitat. The species typically forages in the mid to upper canopy, gleaning among leaves and small branches. It is locally common in suitable highland habitats and less frequent at lower elevations.
Altitude Range
600–2024 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-capped speirops is a São Tomé endemic white-eye that favors higher-elevation forests. It was formerly placed in the genus Speirops but is now treated within Zosterops. It is an active, canopy-foraging bird that often joins mixed-species flocks and adapts to forest edges and older shade plantations.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs form during the breeding season and defend a small territory around the nest site. The nest is a small cup placed in shrubs or trees, where both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of twittering notes interspersed with soft trills. Calls are quick contact chips used to keep groups together in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler, yellow-olive underparts and a clean, pale throat. A distinct black cap extends over the crown and nape. The plumage is smooth and compact, with a conspicuous eye ring typical of white-eyes.
Diet
Feeds on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes fruit, soft berries, and occasionally nectar, making use of seasonally available resources. Its varied diet allows it to exploit both native forest trees and some cultivated plants.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily in the mid to upper canopy of montane forest and along forest edges. It will also feed in older shade-grown plantations and gardens adjacent to native habitat, especially where fruiting trees are present.
