Sao Tome Oriole

Oriolus crassirostris

Old World oriole that is unusual in nearly lacking yellow in its plumage. There is a dark hood which is solid in males and streaky in females. A small white mark on the wing and pale yellow marks in the outer tail can be conspicuous in flight. Found in the canopy of rainforest at low and middle elevations. Song is a series of slurred, low-pitched liquid whistles. Calls include a harsh, upslurred nasal scold. Easily identified, as it is the only oriole on the island of Sao Tome. 

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Oriolus crassirostris
Authority
Hartlaub, 1857
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Oriolidae
Genus
Oriolus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

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