Prigogine's greenbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found only in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Region
Albertine Rift (eastern DRC)
Typical Environment
This species is confined to montane evergreen forest and adjacent secondary growth in the Itombwe Massif and nearby highlands. It favors dense tangles, forest edges, vine-laden gullies, and bamboo or bracken patches within intact forest. Records suggest a highly localized, fragmented distribution tied to mid- to high-elevation forest blocks. Degradation of primary forest likely limits it to remnant patches with adequate understory cover.
Altitude Range
1200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Prigogine's greenbul is a little-known songbird of the bulbul family restricted to the montane forests of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was named in honor of the Belgian ornithologist Alexandre Prigogine. The species is threatened by ongoing deforestation and habitat degradation in the Itombwe and Kivu highlands. It is a shy, understory bird that often stays within dense foliage.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or in small family groups within dense understory. Often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging along forest edges and mid-understory strata. Nests are presumed to be cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation, as in related greenbuls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, whistled phrases interspersed with soft chattering notes. Calls include sharp chips and scolds delivered from cover; song phrases are repeated in short sequences.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with slightly darker wings and tail; underparts yellow-olive grading to paler yellow on the belly and vent. The throat is paler with fine, diffuse streaking; overall feathering appears soft and slightly fluffy in the underparts. Subtle facial contrast with a faint pale eye-ring and weak supercilium.
Diet
Feeds on small fruits and berries supplemented by insects and other arthropods. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies short distances to catch flying insects. Likely takes seeds and soft-bodied invertebrates opportunistically when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense understory, along edges of montane forest, and in vine tangles near clearings. Frequently visits fruiting shrubs and small trees within secondary growth bordering primary forest.
