The São Tomé white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to the island of São Tomé, where it occurs in the central massif and in the southwest. Its natural habitat is mid- to high-altitude forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. It was named by the Italian Tommaso Salvadori in 1901.
Region
Gulf of Guinea islands (São Tomé)
Typical Environment
Occurs on São Tomé in the central massif and adjacent southwestern uplands. It is most frequently found in primary and mature secondary montane forest, using dense foliage and edges. The species favors humid, cloud-affected zones with abundant mid-story and canopy shrubs. It may venture into forest edges and clearings but remains closely tied to intact forest. Fragmentation and conversion of upland forest limit its range continuity.
Altitude Range
800–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small white-eye is confined to the island of São Tomé, where it lives mainly in mid- to high-elevation forest. Its tiny range and ongoing habitat loss make it highly vulnerable. It was described by Italian ornithologist Tommaso Salvadori in 1901. Like many white-eyes, it likely plays a role in pollination and insect control.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually forages in small, chatty parties and may join mixed-species flocks in forest mid-story. Pairs form during the breeding season and defend small territories around nest sites. The nest is a small, neat cup suspended in foliage, with both parents sharing care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A quick, high-pitched series of thin whistles and trills, delivered in short bursts. Calls include soft contact chips that keep groups coordinated. The song can accelerate into a fast twitter when excited.
Plumage
Compact, soft-feathered passerine with olive-green upperparts and yellow-tinged underparts, paler on the belly. Feathers appear smooth and close, giving a neat, sleek look.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes soft fruits and berries, and will sip nectar when available. Feeding is agile and deliberate, often hanging briefly to reach the undersides of leaves. Occasional aerial sallies may be made to snatch flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in mid-story to canopy layers of humid montane forest. Uses forest edges, gaps, and secondary growth where flowering and fruiting shrubs are common. Less frequently descends to lower strata except at resource-rich patches.
