The little grey greenbul is a species of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is widely distributed across the African tropical rainforest. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical swamps.
Region
West and Central African rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs broadly from the Upper Guinea forests of West Africa through the Congo Basin into parts of western Central Africa. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland rainforest, swamp forest, and dense thickets along streams and forest edges. The species favors the shaded understory and mid-story, where it forages within dense foliage. It adapts moderately well to degraded forest and old secondary growth as long as substantial cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly placed in Andropadus, the little grey greenbul is now commonly treated in the genus Eurillas. It is a shy understory bird that often joins mixed-species flocks, making it easier to detect by voice than by sight. Its grey-washed underparts help distinguish it from the similar little greenbul, but identification can be subtle and regional variation occurs. Vocalizations—soft whistles and chatters—are key for field ID in dense forest.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups within the understory. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through foliage while foraging. Nests are neat cup structures placed low to mid-height in shrubs or small trees; clutches typically contain two eggs. Breeding timing varies regionally in relation to rains.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, piping whistles and thin, slightly nasal phrases interspersed with dry chatters. Calls are repeated from concealed perches and serve as contact notes within mixed flocks. The overall song is unobtrusive but persistent.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a contrasting grey-washed throat and underparts; feathers are smooth and lacking gloss. Subtle pale edging on the throat and a faint supercilium may be visible at close range. Tail and wings are darker olive-brown with minimal patterning.
Diet
Takes small fruits and berries, especially from understory plants and lianas. Also gleans insects and spiders from leaves and twigs, occasionally sallying short distances to snatch prey. Diet composition shifts seasonally with fruit availability, maintaining a mix of animal and plant matter.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory and mid-story of lowland rainforest, including swamp forest and dense second-growth edges. Often feeds along vine tangles, forest gaps with dense regrowth, and near watercourses where insect activity is high.
