The eastern bearded greenbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found from south-eastern Nigeria to Central African Republic, north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo and extreme north-western Angola. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
West-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Nigeria through Cameroon and the Central African Republic into northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, and extreme northwestern Angola. It inhabits moist lowland evergreen forest and foothill to montane forest, using both primary and well-developed secondary growth. Often found in dense understory and midstory tangles along forest streams and in vine-rich thickets. It tolerates selectively logged habitats better than complete deforestation but remains tied to forest cover.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The eastern bearded greenbul is a forest songbird noted for the pale, shaggy throat feathers that form a small 'beard.' It forages quietly in the midstory, often joining mixed-species flocks. Its flexible diet of fruits and arthropods helps it persist in both primary and secondary forests. Despite habitat pressures in parts of its range, it is currently not considered at risk.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Builds a neat cup nest in dense vegetation or low shrubs. Likely socially monogamous, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of mellow, fluty whistles delivered in short sequences, interspersed with chattering notes. Calls are soft contact chips and harsher scolds when alarmed.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with paler, greyer underparts and a slightly yellowish wash on the belly. Throat shows elongated, pale shaggy feathers forming a small beard. Feathers are soft with a subtly scaled look on the breast.
Diet
Takes a mix of small fruits and berries, including figs and other soft fruits. Gleans insects and spiders from foliage, twigs, and vine tangles. Occasionally hawks short distances for flying insects and may probe into curled leaves for hidden prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the forest understory to midstory, especially along edges, gaps, and vine-choked thickets. Also uses secondary growth and lightly logged forest where fruiting shrubs and trees are available.
