Bostrychia bocagei
The São Tomé Ibis, *Bostrychia bocagei*, is an exceptionally rare and enigmatic member of the Threskiornithidae family, endemic to the small island of São Tomé. This medium-sized ibis measures approximately 60-65 cm (23-25 inches) in length, featuring a predominantly dark olive-brown plumage with a striking greenish and bronze iridescence visible on its wings and back. A distinctive field mark is its lack of a crest, differentiating it from the sympatric Olive Ibis, and a pale, often greyish ...
Restricted to primary lowland and montane rainforests on São Tomé island, often near streams or damp areas, typically found between 300m and 700m elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, earthworms, grubs, and mollusks, obtained by probing and gleaning from the damp forest floor and leaf litter.
This highly secretive ibis is predominantly diurnal, spending its days foraging alone or in pairs on the forest floor, where it masterfully probes leaf litter and soft ground with its long, decurved bill. Its foraging strategy involves systematically turning over leaves and digging for hidden inv...
The São Tomé Ibis is an insular endemic, found exclusively on São Tomé Island, which is part of the nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Central Africa. Its range is highly restricted to the remaining patches of primary montane and lowland rainforest, pr...
Critically Endangered
- The São Tomé Ibis is one of the world's rarest birds, with a critically endangered population estimated to be fewer than 50 mature individuals. - It was presumed extinct for 62 years, from 1928 until its rediscovery in 1990, earning it the nickname 'ghost bird'. - This ibis is strictly endemic ...