The grey-headed bristlebill is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in West Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and subtropical or tropical swamps.
Region
West Africa (Upper Guinean forests)
Typical Environment
Occurs from Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone east through Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and into Togo and Benin, mainly within the Upper Guinean rainforest belt. Prefers intact and semi-degraded lowland evergreen forest, gallery forest, and swamp forest. Frequently uses dense thickets, vine tangles, and forest edges for cover. It is largely a lowland species but may range into foothills where forest persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-headed bristlebill is a shy, understory songbird of West Africa’s lowland forests, named for the stiff bristles at the base of its bill that help it manipulate prey. It often stays hidden in dense foliage, revealing itself by rich, whistled phrases. The species tolerates secondary growth and swamp-forest edges, but remains dependent on forest cover.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks in the understory. Builds a neat cup nest in low shrubs or vines, typically well concealed. Both adults are thought to share nesting duties and provisioning of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of rich, fluty whistles and melodious phrases, often repeated from a hidden perch. Calls include sharp tchik notes and scolding chatter when alarmed.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting grey head and nape; underparts olive to yellowish-olive with slightly paler throat. Feathers appear soft and plain, emphasizing the clean color contrast rather than bold patterns. Notable stiff rictal bristles at the bill base.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small arthropods, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. Will occasionally take small snails or other invertebrates. Opportunistically consumes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory and mid-story of humid lowland forest, including along streams and in swamp-forest margins. Frequently works through vine clusters, lianas, and thickets where prey accumulates.
