Turdus olivaceofuscus
The São Tomé Thrush (*Turdus olivaceofuscus*) is an engaging member of the Turdidae family, exclusively endemic to the lush forests of São Tomé island in the Gulf of Guinea. This captivating medium-sized thrush typically measures 22-24 cm (8.7-9.4 in) in length and weighs between 55-80 grams. Its striking appearance features rich olive-brown upperparts, a contrasting blackish head, and a heavily streaked black-and-white throat and breast. Rufous flanks provide a warm accent to its plumage, wh...
Found primarily in moist broadleaf forests (primary and secondary growth), it also inhabits plantations, shade-coffee areas, and mature gardens from sea level up to the island's highest peaks.
Predominantly omnivorous, its diet consists mainly of invertebrates such as earthworms, insects (beetles, ants), and snails, significantly supplemented by a variety of fruits, especially figs and berries. It forages primarily by probing and gleaning from the forest floor and arboreal vegetation.
The São Tomé Thrush is a diurnal bird, active from dawn until dusk, typically foraging alone or in pairs on the forest floor. It employs a classic thrush foraging strategy, hopping briefly, pausing to listen, and then rapidly probing the leaf litter and soft soil for invertebrates; it also gleans...
The São Tomé Thrush (*Turdus olivaceofuscus*) is strictly endemic to the island of São Tomé, part of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Central Africa. It is a completely resident species, exhibiting no migratory movements or vagrant reco...
Least Concern
- It is one of only two thrush species in the entire country of São Tomé and Príncipe, the other being the Príncipe Thrush (*Turdus xanthorhynchus*) which was once considered a subspecies. - Its bright yellow bill and orbital ring are particularly striking against its dark head, making it easily ...