The grey-olive greenbul, or grey-olive bulbul, is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in eastern and south-central Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.
Region
Eastern and south-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal and inland lowland forests to mixed woodland, riverine thickets, and secondary growth. It is commonly found in the dense understory and along forest edges where cover is abundant. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance and often uses regenerating shrubland and plantations adjacent to natural forest. It generally stays below the canopy and moves in short hops through tangled vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy understory bulbul is easier to detect by its melodious, whistled phrases than by sight. It forages methodically through leaf-litter and low foliage, helping control insect populations and also dispersing seeds when it takes small fruits. Pairs often keep in contact with soft calls while moving through dense thickets.
Temperament
skulking and cautious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the understory. Builds a neat cup nest low in shrubs or vines, with both parents participating in care. Territorial pairs keep loosely to home ranges within suitable thicket and forest-edge habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a sequence of clear, mellow whistles delivered in short phrases and repeated at intervals, often from concealed perches. Calls include soft chups and contact notes used to maintain pair cohesion in dense vegetation.
