Ploceus sanctithomae
The Sao Tome Weaver (Ploceus sanctithomae) is a striking passerine bird endemic to the island of São Tomé. Males are instantly recognizable by their glossy black head, face, and throat, which contrast sharply with their vibrant yellow underparts and olive-green back and wings; they measure approximately 14 cm (5.5 in) in length with a robust, conical black bill. Females, in contrast, are much duller, sporting an olive-green head and upperparts, with paler yellow underparts, lacking the male's...
Found in humid evergreen forest, forest edges, and cultivated areas like cacao and coffee plantations, ranging from sea level up to 1400m.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars, beetles, and ants, but also supplements its diet with nectar, small fruits, and seeds, foraging by gleaning and probing.
A diurnal species, the Sao Tome Weaver is typically observed foraging actively in pairs or small family groups, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy and mid-story. Its primary foraging strategy involves gleaning insects from leaves and branches, often displaying acrobatic movem...
The Sao Tome Weaver is strictly endemic to the island of São Tomé, part of the nation of São Tomé and Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea. As a non-migratory species, it is resident year-round across its entire range, never venturing beyond the island's shores. Its distribution spans from the coastal ...
Least Concern
- This species is entirely endemic to São Tomé island, making it a unique flagship species for the island's biodiversity. - The male's striking black hood contrasted with bright yellow underparts makes it one of the most easily identifiable birds on São Tomé. - It belongs to the 'weaver' family (...