The São Tomé fiscal, or Newton's fiscal, is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is endemic to São Tomé Island, São Tomé and Príncipe. It is 20 to 21 centimeters long. The bird is black above with a white shoulder-scapular bar. The São Tomé fiscal has a pale yellow chin, breast, belly, flanks vent and under tail. Its graduated tail has all black central tail feathers and an increasing amount of white on outer web from inner to outer tail feathers. The Lanius newtoni has a clear voice with a whistle tiuh tiuh often repeated and metallic tsink tsink audible over a long distance.
Region
Gulf of Guinea, West Africa
Typical Environment
Endemic to the forested interior of São Tomé Island, where it occupies humid primary and mature secondary forest. It frequents forest edges, light gaps, and along trails where visibility from low to mid-story perches is possible. The species is typically encountered singly or in pairs within intact canopy forest mosaics. It avoids heavily degraded or open agricultural landscapes.
Altitude Range
unknown
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Newton's fiscal, this is one of the world’s rarest shrikes and is confined to São Tomé Island. It was feared extinct for decades before being rediscovered, and today it persists in very small numbers. Unusually for a shrike, it favors dense, humid forest rather than open country. Ongoing habitat protection on São Tomé is critical to its survival.
Temperament
shy and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within forest. Likely forms long-term pair bonds and nests in trees or dense shrubs, though breeding biology is poorly documented. Forages by watching from a perch and making short sallies to capture prey.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, repeated whistle often rendered as tiuh tiuh, carrying well through the forest. Also gives sharp, metallic tsink notes that can be heard at distance.
