The greater green leafbird is a species of bird in the family Chloropseidae. It is distinguished from the lesser green leafbird by its powerful beak, yellow throat and eye ring of the female; and lack of a yellow border along the black throat patch found in the male C. cyanopogan.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland and foothill forests of southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and nearby smaller islands. It favors primary and well-developed secondary evergreen forests, forest edges, and riverine and peat-swamp forests. Most frequently found in the mid-story to canopy, especially around fruiting and flowering trees. It may enter gardens and plantations where large native trees persist, but declines sharply where forest is heavily fragmented.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The greater green leafbird is a vibrant canopy-dwelling songster known for its rich whistles and ability to mimic other birds. It differs from the lesser green leafbird by the female’s yellow throat and eye ring and the male’s lack of a yellow border to the black throat patch. Heavy trapping for the cage-bird trade has caused serious declines across much of its range. It plays an important role dispersing seeds from the fruit it eats.
Greater Green Leafbird (Immature)
Chloropsis sonnerati zosterops Vigors & Horsfield, 1830, museum specimen Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Temperament
alert and canopy-loving; shy but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile, direct flights between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Breeding pairs defend small territories and build a neat cup nest suspended from slender branches. Clutches are small, and both parents typically feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, melodious whistles interspersed with chatters and trills, often delivered from concealed perches. Skilled mimic that can incorporate phrases of other forest birds, making the song varied and unpredictable.
Plumage
Bright leaf-green overall with smooth, glossy plumage; contrasting face and throat pattern varies by sex. Wings and tail often show bluish or turquoise edging.
Diet
Takes a wide range of small fruits and berries, including figs, and also consumes nectar from blossoming trees. Supplements its diet with insects and other small arthropods gleaned from foliage or snatched in short sallies. This mixed diet supports high activity levels and extensive movement through the canopy.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid-story and canopy of mature forest, particularly at fruiting and flowering trees. Will use forest edges and tall secondary growth, and occasionally visits gardens with large native trees.
