Fischer's greenbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in eastern Africa from southern Somalia to north-eastern Mozambique. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Somalia through coastal and eastern Kenya and Tanzania to north-eastern Mozambique. It favors subtropical and tropical dry and moist lowland forests, coastal thickets, and dense shrubland. The species typically occupies the shaded understory and forest edge, using tangled vines and thickets for cover. It persists in degraded or secondary habitats if sufficient dense understory remains. Riparian woodland and scrubby coastal belts are also used.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Fischer's greenbul is a shy understory songbird of East Africa’s coastal forests and thickets. It often joins mixed-species flocks and is more often heard than seen, delivering mellow whistles from dense cover. Although tolerant of secondary growth, it declines where coastal forest is heavily fragmented. It was named in honor of the German explorer Gustav Fischer.
Temperament
skulking and shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding. The nest is a small cup concealed in dense vegetation close to the ground. Both parents participate in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of mellow, fluted whistles and simple phrases repeated from concealed perches. Calls include soft chucks and chattering notes given while foraging in cover.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a slightly warmer brown crown and nape; underparts dull olive to yellow-olive with a paler, often whitish throat and diffuse streaking on the breast. Feathers appear soft and plain, lacking strong pattern except for subtle facial contrasts.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of small insects and other invertebrates, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Also consumes berries and small fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Occasionally gleans from leaves and twigs and may sally short distances to snatch prey. Feeding is mostly within a few meters of the ground in dense vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory of coastal and lowland forests, thickets, and overgrown edges. Frequently follows mixed flocks along vine tangles, scrubby clearings, and along forest margins.
