Newton's Fiscal
Lanius newtoni
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Tom%C3%A9_fiscal
Overview
The São Tomé fiscal, or Newton's fiscal, is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is endemic to São Tomé Island, São Tomé and Príncipe. It is 20 to 21 centimeters long.
The bird is black above with a white shoulder-scapular bar. The São Tomé fiscal has a pale yellow chin, breast, belly, flanks vent and under tail. Its graduated tail has all black central tail feathers and an increasing amount of white on outer web from inner to outer tail feathers.
The Lanius newtoni has a clear voice with a whistle tiuh tiuh often repeated and metallic tsink tsink audible over a long distance.
Newton's Fiscal faces severe threats from habitat destruction as São Tomé's native forests are cleared for agriculture and human settlement. The species' extremely small population makes it vulnerable to stochastic events, while introduced predators and competitors further pressure the remaining individuals. Climate change poses an additional long-term threat to this montane forest specialist.
Habitat
Newton's Fiscal inhabits the remaining primary and secondary montane forests of São Tomé Island, typically found at elevations above 1,000 meters. The species prefers dense forest canopy and forest edges where it hunts insects and small vertebrates from exposed perches.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in LANIIDAE
Threatened in São Tomé & Príncipe
Frequently asked questions
Why is Newton's Fiscal classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Newton's Fiscal live?
What are the main threats to Newton's Fiscal?
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