The simple greenbul or simple leaflove, is a species of songbird in the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is widespread throughout the African tropical rainforest. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely through the African tropical rainforest belt from West Africa into the Congo Basin. It inhabits lowland moist forests, gallery forests, edges, and secondary growth, as well as wooded savanna thickets and moist shrubland. The species readily uses disturbed habitats, including plantations and farm bush near forest. It typically keeps to dense midstory and understory vegetation but also forages along edges and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the simple leaflove, this bulbul is a common voice in West and Central African forests, delivering clear, whistled phrases. It adapts well to secondary growth and forest edges and often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. The species is generally shy and keeps to dense foliage, which can make it easier to hear than to see.
Temperament
skulking yet active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the forest midstory. Nest is a cup placed in dense shrubs or low trees; both parents participate in care. Territorial singing is common at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, mellow whistles and short, repeated phrases, often a series of rising and falling notes. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes given while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with a cleaner olive-yellow to yellowish underbody and a pale, slightly whitish throat. Feathers are smooth and unpatterned overall, giving a plain, 'simple' look with minimal contrast. Subtle pale supercilium may be present; undertail often shows yellow tones.
Diet
Eats a mix of small fruits and berries, supplemented by insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and may hover-glean briefly for hidden insects. Visits fruiting shrubs and small trees and occasionally takes nectar or soft plant matter.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense understory and midstory of moist forest, along forest edges, and in thickets near water. Also feeds in secondary growth and plantations, especially where fruiting plants are abundant.
