Birding in São Tomé and Príncipe: Target the 3 Holy Grails

Birding in São Tomé and Príncipe: A Definitive Guide to São Tomé Birding and the African Galapagos

For serious birders, São Tomé birding is not a casual add-on. São Tomé and Príncipe ranks among the most concentrated island endemism hotspots on Earth—a place where you can build an entire trip around species that exist nowhere else.

These volcanic islands have been isolated from the mainland for millions of years, long enough for evolution to run its own experiment. BirdLife’s current country profile and recent research recognise at least 29 endemic bird species for São Tomé and Príncipe. This includes the formal description of the Príncipe Scops-Owl (Otus bikegila) in 2022, a discovery that underlines why birding in São Tomé and Príncipe remains globally significant.

If you have heard the phrase “African Galapagos,” this is why. The comparison is about speciation on oceanic islands, and São Tomé birding delivers it in a way that feels immediate on the ground. You are hearing birds that have never shared a range with their closest relatives. That is the point of coming.

The Big Three: The Holy Grails of the Southwest

Many São Tomé endemics are achievable in secondary forest, plantation landscapes, and the edges of the highlands. The “Big Three” are different. They are tied to the hardest habitat on the island and define high-effort São Tomé birding.

If you’re birding in São Tomé and Principe and want to target these birds properly, assume mud, humidity, and slow progress. This is not a casual morning walk. It is primary rainforest birding in São Tomé, in the deep south-west—specifically the remote basins of the Rio Io Grande and Rio Xufexufe—where access and visibility are the limiting factors as much as the species themselves.

1. Dwarf Ibis (Bostrychia bocagei), Critically Endangered

This is the bird most visiting birders associate with São Tomé birding, and for good reason. The Dwarf Ibis is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with current estimates placing the population in the low hundreds. It is also a classic rainforest “skulker,” more often hinted at than clearly seen in the damp understorey. A prime target when São Tomé birding is part of your vacation.

The Approach: Success is usually about method rather than luck. A quiet approach, extreme patience, and a skilled local tracker are essential. This is not a bird you reliably find alone, and it represents the most demanding side of birding in São Tomé and Príncipe.

2. São Tomé Grosbeak (Crithagra concolor), Critically Endangered

The São Tomé Grosbeak carries its own mythology because it disappeared from view for over a century, then was rediscovered in the modern era. Work led by Martim Melo and collaborators confirmed its status and cemented its reputation as the world’s largest canary. Its heavy bill and thick-set profile are classic examples of island gigantism.

The Habitat: It remains a deep forest bird. Even when you are in the right habitat, you are dealing with a species that most travellers never see. Treat it as a high-effort target within any serious São Tomé birding itinerary.

3. São Tomé Fiscal (Lanius newtoni), Critically Endangered

Also listed as Critically Endangered, the São Tomé Fiscal is one of the birds that makes south-west São Tomé birding feel otherworldly. It is the only shrike in the world restricted entirely to dense rainforest, often sitting mid-canopy where it can seem to vanish in low light.

The Search: This is where experience matters. You are searching for a rare bird in complex habitat, and local knowledge of calls, movement patterns, and daily conditions is not optional when birding in São Tomé at this level.

Top Birdwatching Hotspots

Obô National Park and Lagoa Amélia

For high-quality São Tomé birding that is still realistic logistically, the central highlands are the starting point. The classic walk to Lagoa Amélia takes you into cloud forest conditions and can stack endemics quickly if weather cooperates. On a good day, this area is strong for:

Giant Sunbird (Dreptes thomensis): Large, bold, and often active around flowering plants.
São Tomé Speirops (Zosterops lugubris): Frequently moving through the canopy in noisy social groups.
São Tomé Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone atrochalybeia): A genuine standout and a highlight of central São Tomé birding.
São Tomé Scops-Owl (Otus hartlaubi): Typically heard after dusk in suitable habitat (look for the raucous ‘kwow’ call).

Príncipe’s Southern Forests

Príncipe is smaller, older, and in many ways feels wilder. It also has its own identity within birding in São Tomé and Príncipe, holding species restricted to this island alone.

Príncipe Scops-Owl (Otus bikegila): Its discovery reshaped modern understanding of Príncipe birding. Its call is a rapid, insect-like “tuu.”
Príncipe Kingfisher (Corythornis nais): A compact forest hunter with real field presence.
Príncipe Thrush (Turdus xanthorhynchus): Critically Endangered and tied to darker, wetter forest structure in intact southern areas.

The Practicalities of São Tomé Birding

When to Go (The Seasonal Window)

Birding is possible year-round, but timing matters if you want to maximise endemic performance. eBird data shows that vocal activity and breeding behaviour increase as the rains return. Peak activity begins around September and October and continues through the following months. For demanding targets, this window is central to successful São Tomé birding.

Terrain Reality

This is high-humidity birding in thick habitat. A few factors matter more here than in many other destinations:

Mud and Footing: In the south-west, mud can be deep and persistent. Waterproof boots with strong ankle support are essential.You may well need a 4WD to get to these areas, check out our car hire here.

Optics and Light: Dense canopy and low light reward good binoculars (8×42) with strong low-light performance.

Local Trackers: For rare endemics, a skilled local tracker is part of the plan. Their value lies in call recognition, micro-habitat knowledge, and knowing what is realistically possible.

Ethical Birding: The No Tape Rule

Some of these species are hanging on by a thread, and it’s essential that birding in São Tomé and Principe is something that others can enjoy after we’ve gone. The joy of São Tomé birding is to see them without adding stress. In primary forest, a simple rule applies: no tape for rare endemics. Over-calling can disrupt territorial behaviour and breeding routines, especially when population sizes are already extremely low. We follow all advice given by the governmental tourism advisory service.

Birdwatching in the African Galapagos

Birdwatching in São Tomé and Príncipe