The São Tomé oriole, or great-billed oriole, is a species of bird in the family Oriolidae. The species was named by Gustav Hartlaub in 1857. It is endemic to the island of São Tomé. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Gulf of Guinea (Central Africa)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on São Tomé, inhabiting primary and mature secondary moist lowland and montane forests. It keeps mostly to mid-story and canopy layers, using dense foliage for cover and foraging. The species will utilize forest edges, riparian corridors, and shade-cocoa plantations where native canopy trees persist. It avoids heavily degraded open farmland and urban areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the great-billed oriole, this species is confined to the island of São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea. It favors forest canopies and can be shy, often heard by its rich whistles before being seen. Habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion is the main threat. It sometimes uses shade-grown plantations where tall native trees remain.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Builds a suspended cup nest in the outer canopy, often overhanging clearings or streams. Both sexes participate in nest building and feeding the young. Family groups may persist for a time after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluty whistles delivered in mellow, melodious phrases that carry through the forest. Calls include harsher chack notes and short scolds when alarmed.
Plumage
Mostly olive to olive-brown above with yellower olive underparts; wings and tail darker with subtle pale edging. Feathers appear smooth and sleek, suited to canopy life.
Diet
Takes a mix of fruits such as figs and other soft berries, along with insects including caterpillars, beetles, and other arthropods. Will occasionally probe for nectar or take small invertebrates from leaf clusters and bark crevices. Foraging is mostly methodical gleaning in the canopy with occasional sallies for airborne prey.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid to upper canopy of intact forest and tall secondary growth. Also feeds along forest edges and in shade plantations where native fruiting trees remain.
