Black-backed Fruit-Dove

A small, active, mostly dull olive-green and gray warbler-like bird with a yellowish throat and a white eye-ring that is obvious with a good view. Endemic to São Tomé, where small groups regularly join mixed-species flocks. A fairly common resident in the canopy and middle levels of primary and secondary forest and tall trees in woodland, most common between 400 and 1600 meters of elevation. Calls include a dry, reedy trilling with some musical notes interspersed. Sao Tome White-eye may join the same flocks as Black-capped Speirops, which is slightly larger and has a dark cap. 

Plumage brown above and whitish below with droplet-shaped dark spots; breast has rich buffy wash in fresh plumage (mainly autumn–winter). Appreciably smaller, darker overall, and more compact than Mistle Thrush. An inhabitant of wooded habitats, including parks, gardens, and farmland with hedges and taller trees; often feeds on lawns and grassy verges, but usually near cover. Strident song, often heard in suburban neighborhoods, is more prolonged than that of Eurasian Blackbird, and frequently repeats phrases 2-4 times. A native of Eurasia, introduced to southeastern Australia, New Zealand, and a few surrounding islands.

Nondescript large-billed bird with a bandit’s mask. Very similar to Common Woodshrike, but note heavier bill and lack of white eyebrow. A species of lowland and hill forests. Forages slowly and quietly, often in upper levels of forest and frequently with mixed-species flocks. Song is a rapid monotone series of whistles, the first one or two notes sometimes lower. Also frequently gives a harsh rattling call.