Sao Tome Grosbeak
Crithagra concolor
A large uniform chestnut finch with a robust pink-horn bill. Endemic to São Tomé and very rare; once thought to be extinct. Found singly and in pairs in primary and secondary forest in remote highlands where good habitat persists. Prefers the middle levels of the forest, but is also occasionally encountered on the ground. Loud human-like whistles, upslurred and high-pitched, “weeeooo” or “wheeet-wheeeoo,” are often the first sign of its presence. The Principe seedeater is much smaller and duller in coloration than Sao Tome Grosbeak.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Crithagra concolor
- Authority
- (Barboza du Bocage, 1888)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Crithagra
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Purple-throated Euphonia
Euphonia chlorotica
Tiny bird with a strong bill and short tail. Males are glossy blue-black on the head, back, and throat with a bright yellow forehead and belly, and a white undertail. Females are olive-green above with either a yellowish or white belly flanked by yellow depending on region. Found commonly in a variety of habitats from humid forests to mangroves and from agricultural areas to gardens. Often accompanies mixed-species flocks. The most frequently heard vocalization is the “teee-deee” call.
Elegant Imperial-Pigeon
Ducula concinna
A large pigeon of small islands. Shows a conspicuous pale yellow eye, a pale gray head and underparts, a chestnut vent, and a green back, wings, and uppertail. Found in flocks within the upper levels of forest edges, wooded areas, and plantations. The beady yellow eye is unique for a green pigeon in its range. Further differs from Spectacled Imperial-Pigeon in lacking spectacles and in having a red base to the undertail. Calls include “kuk” notes, a purring “woo-ooo,” a higher-pitched “waaa-aaa,” and growling sounds.
Brewer's Blackbird
Euphagus cyanocephalus
Breeding males are glossy black with purplish head and greenish sheen on body. Nonbreeding males have pale eyebrows and staring yellow eye. Females are plain dark brown and typically have dark eyes. Forages by walking on ground. Sometimes in mixed flocks with other blackbirds at feedlots. Also, walks along parking lots, golf courses, or roadsides. Females similar to Brown-headed Cowbird, but with longer, thinner bill and longer tail than cowbird.
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