The Príncipe thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is endemic to Príncipe. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the São Tomé thrush, with some taxonomists still considering it so.
Region
Gulf of Guinea islands
Typical Environment
Confined to primary and well-structured secondary rainforest on Príncipe, particularly in mature, shaded understory. It frequents gullies, stream edges, and forested slopes with dense leaf litter where it can forage inconspicuously. The species may occasionally use forest edges and traditional shade-grown agroforestry but avoids open areas. Habitat quality and continuity are crucial, and it is most often recorded in protected or relatively undisturbed tracts of forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Príncipe thrush is a forest-dwelling member of the Turdidae found only on Príncipe Island in the Gulf of Guinea. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the São Tomé thrush but is now widely recognized as a distinct species. It is secretive, foraging quietly in leaf litter, and is highly sensitive to habitat disturbance.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense forest. Builds a cup-shaped nest of plant fibers and moss placed on branches or ledges, often low to mid-level in the understory. Clutch size is small and parental care is shared.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, fluting series of clear whistles delivered from concealed perches, reminiscent of other Turdus thrushes. Calls include thin tseep notes and soft chucks given when alarmed.
