Sokoke Pipit
Anthus sokokensis
A rare small pipit found in a limited region of the East African coast, where it is very local in coastal forest. Rich rufous-brown above and white below with bold streaking on the breast. Inconspicuous, spending most of its time on the ground, although it will perch in trees, especially when disturbed. Found in forest, like Tree Pipit, but more richly colored on the back and paler on the face and belly. The call is a high-pitched, descending whistle; the song, given in flight, consists of a simple series of whistles.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Anthus sokokensis
- Authority
- Van Someren, 1921
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Motacillidae
- Genus
- Anthus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Sao Tome Paradise-Flycatcher
Terpsiphone atrochalybeia
A distinctive long-tailed paradise-flycatcher with different-looking sexes. Male is glossy blue-black with a pale blue bill and blue eye-rings; female has a dark crown, a gray face, rusty upperparts, and pale underparts. Juvenile is like female; young male slowly turns black. A common resident throughout São Tomé in the understory and at middle levels of most habitats. The only other flycatcher within its range is the dull brown Spotted Flycatcher, a scarce migrant. Calls include a rapid electric clicking and buzzing “dzzrt-dzzrt-dzzrt.” The song is a musical repeated “swee dzee-tee che-ree.”
Eastern Screech-Owl
Megascops asio
Small, stocky owl with large head and no neck. Pointed ear tufts are often raised. Varies in color from gray to bright rufous (reddish-brown). Intricate pattern is perfect for camouflage against tree bark. Yellow eyes. Active at night when they prey on small birds and mammals. More often heard than seen; listen for its descending whinny and longer trill. Roosts and nests in cavities, including nest boxes. Found in a variety of habitats with trees, particularly near water.
Gray-hooded Gull
Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
Distinctive gull. Breeding adults have a gray hood, pale eyes, and a red bill and legs. The back is medium gray and the wings have extensively dark flight feathers. Loses the gray hood in the nonbreeding season which is replaced by a dark cheek spot, while juveniles have paler bills and variably brown mottled wings and back.
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