The olive-headed greenbul is a species of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is native to the eastern Afromontane.
Region
Eastern Afromontane
Typical Environment
Found in evergreen and montane forests of the Eastern Arc and adjacent highlands. It frequents forest edges, clearings with dense shrub layers, and well-vegetated ravines. The species uses midstory strata for foraging but will descend to thickets and vine tangles for cover. It tolerates some habitat disturbance where fruiting trees and dense understory remain. In some areas it also utilizes bamboo patches and mature secondary growth.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The olive-headed greenbul is a foliage-gleaning songbird of the Afromontane forests, where it keeps to the middle and lower canopy. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quietly while giving soft contact notes. Its preference for mature forest and well-developed secondary growth makes it a useful indicator of intact montane habitat.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups within dense foliage. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks of forest songbirds while foraging. Builds a neat cup nest low to mid-height in dense vegetation; pairs are presumed monogamous within a breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow, fluty whistles that may accelerate slightly, interspersed with soft chattering notes. Calls include sharp chips and thin contact whistles given as birds move through cover.
Plumage
Olive-toned head and upperparts with slightly browner back and wings; underparts are olive-washed gray to yellowish with subtle streaking on the throat and breast. Feathering appears soft and slightly fluffy around the face and nape, giving a rounded-headed look.
Diet
Consumes small fruits and berries, supplemented by insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and flies. Also takes spiders and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. During peak fruiting, it may concentrate at fruiting trees and shrubs, switching to more insects when fruit availability declines.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and lower canopy of moist montane forest, especially along edges, gaps, and vine tangles. Often feeds in mixed flocks, moving methodically through dense foliage and occasionally sallying short distances to snatch prey.
