The São Tomé prinia is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe and is found in the island of São Tomé. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forest and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland. It is found primarily in open habitats and at the edges of forests.
Region
Gulf of Guinea (São Tomé Island)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout São Tomé in open and semi-open habitats, including forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and montane shrublands. It favors dense low shrubs and tangles where it can glean insects and make short sallies. The species is tolerant of habitat modification and is frequently encountered near human-altered landscapes. It is less common in the interior of dense primary forest but uses edges and gaps. Widespread from lowlands up into the montane zone.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The São Tomé prinia is a small, active warbler endemic to the island of São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea. It adapts well to disturbed habitats and is commonly seen along forest edges, secondary growth, and shrubby clearings. The species often cocks and flicks its long tail while moving through low vegetation, making it easier to spot despite its cryptic colors.
eggs - MHNT
Temperament
active and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, bouncing flights between bushes
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, moving through low shrubs and edges. Territorial during the breeding season, with pairs defending small areas. Nest is typically a woven structure placed low in dense vegetation, and both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, high-pitched series of trills and sharp chips delivered from low perches or within cover. Calls include thin tseep notes and scolding rattles when alarmed.
Plumage
Upperparts brownish-olive to grey-brown with a slightly warmer tone on the back and wings; underparts off-white to pale buff with a cleaner whitish throat. Tail long and graduated, often held cocked, with pale or whitish outer feathers. Subtle pale supercilium and fine, plain plumage without bold streaking.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, stems, and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Foraging is methodical but brisk, with frequent tail flicks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense shrubs, secondary growth, plantation edges, and along forest margins. Often forages within one to three meters above ground, using thickets and tangles for cover.
