Ansorge's greenbul or Ansorge's bulbul, is a species of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is found in western and central Africa. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests from West Africa into the Congo Basin. It uses primary evergreen forest as well as secondary growth, edges, and riverine thickets. Typically forages in the lower to mid-story, from dense understory tangles up to mid-canopy. It can persist in selectively logged forests so long as dense cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Ansorge's greenbul is a small, drab-olive songbird of African lowland rainforests, often detected by voice more than sight. It was formerly placed in the genus Andropadus before being reclassified to Eurillas. The bird participates in mixed-species flocks and likely aids forest regeneration by dispersing seeds.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are likely neat cup-shaped structures placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Both parents typically participate in care of the young, as is common among greenbuls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of mellow, fluty whistles delivered in short phrases, often repeated from concealed perches. Calls include soft chups and thin, rising notes used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Plain olive-green upperparts with slightly browner wings, and yellow-olive to olive-grey underparts that are paler on the belly. Feathers are smooth and unpatterned, giving a uniform appearance. The throat is slightly paler and the ear-coverts can appear dusky.
Diet
Takes small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from foliage and twigs. Also consumes a variety of soft fruits and berries, and may supplement with nectar when available. Seasonal fruit availability can shift its diet more toward insects during lean periods.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory and mid-story of moist lowland forest, including edges, vine tangles, and secondary growth. Often follows mixed flocks along forest trails and river margins where insect prey is abundant.
