The Príncipe speirops is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to the island of Príncipe in São Tomé and Príncipe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and plantations. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Gulf of Guinea islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Príncipe, using primary and secondary moist lowland forest, forest edges, and shaded agroforests such as cocoa and coffee plantations. It forages from understory to mid- and upper canopy, often along edges and in gaps where insects and small fruits are abundant. The species can adapt to semi-modified habitats if sufficient tree cover remains, but depends on intact forest mosaics for breeding. Protected areas on the island provide key refuges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny white-eye is confined to the island of Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea, where it forages actively in forest canopies and shaded plantations. It likely plays a role in insect control and seed dispersal. The species is threatened by ongoing habitat loss and degradation, but persists in protected forest within the island’s Obô Natural Park.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting flights
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Builds a small cup nest suspended in foliage, typically a few meters above ground. Likely monogamous, with breeding timed to periods of higher food availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of twitters and trills, delivered in short, lively phrases. Calls include sharp see-see notes and soft contact chips used to keep groups together.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with grayish head and breast, fading to paler underparts; clean, contrasting white orbital ring. Subtle dusky lores and slightly paler throat; wings and tail darker olive.
Diet
Takes small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes soft fruits and occasionally flower nectar. Foraging is active and methodical, with brief hovering and sallying to pick prey from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest edges, secondary growth, and shaded plantations as well as interior forest, typically from understory to mid-canopy. Often follows mixed-species flocks along productive edges and clearings.
