The icterine greenbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found across the lowland tropical rainforests from West Africa through the Congo Basin into western Uganda and adjacent regions. It inhabits primary forest, secondary growth, forest edges, and dense thickets along streams. The species prefers shaded, tangled understory where it forages quietly. It can persist in selectively logged areas provided sufficient understory cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The icterine greenbul is a secretive understory songbird of the African tropical rainforest. It often joins mixed-species flocks, where its quiet, fluty notes can be heard more easily than the bird is seen. Its name “icterine” refers to the yellowish tone of its underparts. It tolerates secondary growth and forest edges, which helps it remain widespread.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the forest understory. Builds a neat cup nest low in shrubs or saplings. Likely monogamous, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, fluty whistles interspersed with thin chips and chatters. Phrases are repeated and can be ventriloquial, carrying through dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellowish to icterine underparts; plumage is smooth and fairly uniform with minimal streaking. The throat is slightly paler and clean, and the face is plain with subtle contrasts.
Diet
Takes small insects, spiders, and other arthropods by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Also consumes small fruits and berries when available. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory, vine tangles, and along forest edges or streamside thickets. Often feeds within mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through dense cover.
