Alternative names: Sao Tome Canary; Sao Tome Grosbeak Weaver; Grosbeak Weaver; Grosbeak Bunting: St Thoma's Canary; Neospiza
- Crithagra concolor
Identification
19 - 20 cm. A large finch with a massive bill.
- Almost entirely dark cinnamon or chocolate-brown plumage
- Short blackish streaks on crown to nape and ear-coverts (only visible at close range)
- Dark brown lores to eye
- Massive, dark horn bill
- Blackish legs
Sexes similar, juveniles undescribed.
Distribution
Endemic to São Tomé Island.
A poorly known, critically endangered species. Thought to be extinct until rediscovered in 1991, population estimated at 50 birds. Habitat loss is the main threat.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Formerly placed in genus Neospiza.
Habitat
Lowland, dense closed-canopy forest from 230 to 400 m. Recently observed in young secondary forest at 1300 to 1400 m.
Behaviour
Diet
Poorly known, the bill indicates that the species feeds on hard-shelled fruits or seeds.
Forages at middle level and in canopy of forest.
Breeding
Nothing known.
Movements
A sedentary species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2017. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2017, with updates to August 2017. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive (retrieved May 2016)
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Sao Tome Grosbeak. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 26 April 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Sao_Tome_Grosbeak
