Giant Weaver
Ploceus grandis
A spectacular enormous weaver endemic to São Tomé, with a robust barbet-like bill and a bulky head. Adult male has a black head and a chestnut collar that extends to the breast. Female is dull, with a buff wash on the breast. Juvenile is like the female, but browner on the upperparts. Fairly common in forest, forest edge, and plantations. Found in pairs and small groups. Song is a winding gurgle that ends with a wheezing fizzle: “drrt-drrt-drrt-grrzzzztztztztz.” Other weavers on São Tomé are much smaller, and their males lack chestnut coloration.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ploceus grandis
- Authority
- (Gray, GR, 1844)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ploceidae
- Genus
- Ploceus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Black-bellied Tanager
Ramphocelus melanogaster
Found only in northern Peru, where it mostly replaces the very similar Silver-beaked Tanager in several river valleys in the foothills of the eastern Andes. Male is distinguished by his bright red sides and rump. Females of the two species are almost identical, though Black-bellied tends to be brighter red and have a darker throat. Inhabits lightly wooded areas and forest edge.
Rufous-rumped Antwren
Euchrepomis callinota
Colorful for an antwren, and therefore might be difficult to place into the correct family at first. Small. The distinctive rufous rump can be hard to see, so note black cap, gray head, olive back, yellow wingbars, and yellow belly. Bill is quite long and narrow. Female is similar to male but slightly duller. Typically found in pairs. Follows mixed-species flocks through the forest, usually fairly high in the canopy.
White-eared Puffbird
Nystalus chacuru
A familiar species of relatively dry savanna, scrub, and forest edges announcing its presence with a loud whistled song. Notable for its strong and thick orange bill with a dark tip, and the large white cheek patch. Typically found in pairs, perching on exposed branches.
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