Zosterops leucophaeus
The Príncipe Speirops (Zosterops leucophaeus) is a captivating and distinctive songbird, endemic exclusively to Príncipe Island in the Gulf of Guinea. Measuring approximately 12-13 cm in length, this species sports a striking plumage featuring dark grey-green upperparts that transition to ash-grey underparts, creating a subtle but elegant contrast. Its most prominent field mark, typical of its family, is a broad, conspicuous white eye-ring, sharply delineated by dark lores. The bill is slende...
Found in a variety of forest types, from primary lowland rainforest to secondary growth, shaded coffee/cocoa plantations, and forest edges, typically at lower to mid-elevations across Príncipe Island.
Primarily insectivorous, gleaning arthropods from foliage and bark, but also consumes nectar from flowers and small fruits, contributing to seed dispersal.
A diurnal and highly active species, the Príncipe Speirops spends its days diligently foraging, often in small, cohesive family groups or as part of larger, mixed-species flocks that traverse the forest canopy and subcanopy. It employs a dynamic foraging strategy, meticulously gleaning insects an...
The Príncipe Speirops is strictly endemic to Príncipe Island, one of the two main islands comprising the nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Central Africa. This species is a year-round resident, exhibiting no migratory movements beyond the confine...
Vulnerable
- The Príncipe Speirops is a true island endemic, found nowhere else in the world, making Príncipe Island its sole sanctuary. - It is sometimes considered a 'living fossil' among white-eyes due to its distinctive genetic and morphological traits, suggesting an ancient lineage. - Despite its 'whit...