The plain greenbul is a species of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is mainly native to the Guineo-Congolian region.
Region
Guineo-Congolian forests of West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found primarily in lowland and foothill evergreen forests across the Guineo-Congolian region, including primary and well-developed secondary growth. It frequents forest edges, clearings with dense thickets, and gallery forests along rivers. The species forages mostly in the shaded understory to midstory, moving through vine tangles and sapling layers. It tolerates selective logging and secondary regrowth better than some forest specialists, provided dense cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The plain greenbul is a shy, understory songbird that often joins mixed-species flocks in African rainforests. It can be tricky to identify because its olive-brown plumage is very uniform, lacking bold facial markings found in similar greenbuls. By consuming small fruits and berries, it helps disperse seeds throughout tropical forests.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the forest understory. Builds a neat cup nest low in shrubs or saplings; likely monogamous with both parents caring for the young. Forages quietly through vine tangles and foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow whistles and simple phrases, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls include soft chips and chatter that blend into the background of the forest.
Plumage
Mostly plain olive-brown to olive-green upperparts with slightly paler, gray-olive underparts; overall uniform and unpatterned appearance.
Diet
Eats small fruits and berries, supplemented by insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. It occasionally takes soft-bodied prey such as caterpillars and spiders. Seasonal fruiting influences diet composition, with higher fruit intake when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory and midstory of humid forests, including vine tangles, sapling thickets, and forest edges. Also utilizes secondary growth and riparian gallery forest where cover is abundant.
