The red-tailed greenbul, also known as the red-tailed bulbul, is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae, native to the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central Africa (Guineo-Congolian rainforest)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest, especially in the humid evergreen belt from West Africa through the Congo Basin. It frequents forest edges, riverine and gallery forests, and selectively logged habitats where fruiting trees are present. Most foraging is in the shaded midstory and lower canopy, but it will also descend to the understory at fruiting shrubs. It tolerates moderate disturbance but is scarce in open farmland and savanna.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The red-tailed greenbul is a forest songbird of the bulbul family that often travels in small parties and joins mixed-species flocks. Its rufous tail contrasts with its olive body, making brief views in dense foliage distinctive. It plays an important role as a seed disperser for many rainforest plants. Despite being quite vocal, it is typically skulking and prefers the dim midstory of humid forests.
Temperament
skulking but moderately social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory. Breeding pairs are likely monogamous and build a neat cup nest suspended in dense vegetation. Nests are typically placed well hidden to avoid predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal and melodious, delivering rich, whistled phrases interspersed with chattering notes. Calls are repetitive and carry well through the forest, often used to keep contact while foraging in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler olive-gray underparts and a distinctly rufous tail. Feathers appear soft and slightly fluffy, giving a somewhat loose, rounded profile. The throat is paler, sometimes grayish, and the overall pattern is plain without strong streaking.
Diet
Feeds largely on soft fruits and berries, including figs and other canopy fruits. Supplements its diet with insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates gleaned from leaves and twigs. By swallowing whole fruits and later passing seeds, it contributes to forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and lower canopy of humid forest, especially at fruiting trees and along quiet forest edges. Also visits vine tangles and understory shrubs when fruit is abundant.
