Shelley's greenbul or Shelley's bulbul, is a species of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is found in east-central Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
East-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Albertine Rift and adjacent highlands from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo through Rwanda and Burundi to western Uganda and northwestern Tanzania. It favors montane and submontane forest, forest edges, and well-wooded secondary growth. The species also uses bamboo thickets and forested ravines, and may venture into gardens and plantations near forest. It is generally resident, with local upslope and downslope movements following food availability.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Shelley's greenbul is a montane bulbul named in honor of British ornithologist George Ernest Shelley. It often joins mixed-species flocks and is more frequently detected by its lively, chattering song than by sight. Taxonomically it was long placed in Andropadus before being moved to Arizelocichla based on vocal and genetic evidence.
Temperament
skulking yet active in dense vegetation
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the mid-story. Builds a neat cup nest low to mid-level in dense foliage. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively series of chattering notes and clear whistles that often accelerates and rises slightly in pitch. Calls include sharp chips and scolds given while foraging in cover.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a slightly darker, often faintly crested crown; underparts yellow to yellow-olive with a paler, grayish-white throat. The face is rather plain with dusky ear coverts and a subtly paler malar area. Feathers are smooth and unpatterned overall, giving a clean, uniform look.
Diet
Takes a varied diet of small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes a wide range of fruits and berries, especially those of forest shrubs and trees such as figs. Will occasionally sip nectar or take soft plant matter when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the forest mid-story and canopy edges, along gaps, and in secondary growth where fruiting trees are common. Often works methodically through vine tangles, bamboo, and thickets, sometimes following mixed flocks to exploit disturbed prey.
