The black-browed mountain greenbul, formerly the black-browed greenbul, is a species of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is found in south-eastern Africa from south-western Tanzania to north-eastern Zambia, Malawi and west-central Mozambique.
Region
Southeastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwestern Tanzania through northeastern Zambia and Malawi to west-central Mozambique. It inhabits montane evergreen and bamboo forests, forest edges, and dense secondary growth. Birds often remain under canopy cover but emerge to feed at fruiting trees. They tolerate some habitat disturbance if thickets and mid-story structure persist.
Altitude Range
900–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This montane bulbul favors dense, moist forest and secondary growth, often keeping to the mid-story where it forages quietly. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, making brief, active foraging bouts between cover. Formerly placed in the genus Andropadus, it is now in Arizelocichla with several other mountain greenbuls.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Likely monogamous, building a cup-shaped nest concealed in dense vegetation. The nest is placed low to mid-level in thickets or saplings near forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich, whistled phrases interspersed with chattering notes, delivered from within cover. Calls include sharp chip and tchik notes and soft contact whistles used while moving through foliage.
