Baumann's olive greenbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in West Africa from Guinea and Sierra Leone to south-eastern Nigeria. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and moist savanna. Although little known, new research has shown it to be plentiful and widespread. Consequently, it is listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. Alternate names for Baumann's olive greenbul include Baumann's bulbul, Baumann's greenbul and olive greenbul.
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Guinea and Sierra Leone east through Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and into south-eastern Nigeria. It favors moist lowland forest, forest edges, gallery forest, and dense second-growth thickets. The species also occupies wooded savanna with substantial shrub layer and vine tangles. It tolerates moderate habitat degradation and can persist in farmbush and shaded plantations where understory cover remains.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Baumann's olive greenbul is a shy understory songbird that thrives in both primary forest and well-vegetated secondary growth. It often joins mixed-species flocks, where its quiet behavior can make it easy to overlook. The species adapts well to edges and farmbush, which helps explain its broad distribution and stable status. It is more often heard than seen, giving soft whistles and chatter from dense thickets.
Temperament
skulking and shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between dense thickets
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs within dense understory, but frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through low vegetation. Pairs likely maintain small territories during the breeding season. The nest is a small cup concealed low in shrubs or vines, and breeding is thought to track rainy periods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, thin whistles and subdued chatter from cover. The song is a series of mellow, piping notes with occasional rapid trills, often repeated at intervals. Contact calls are brief, high-pitched chips that help pairs keep in touch while foraging.
