The sombre greenbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is a resident breeder in coastal bush, evergreen forest and dry shrub land in eastern and southern Africa. It is the only member of the genus Andropadus.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Found from coastal bush and dune thickets to evergreen forest edges, riparian thickets, and dry shrubland across eastern and southern Africa. It is a common resident in dense undergrowth, secondary growth, plantations, and suburban gardens. The species prefers tangled vegetation where it forages methodically through leaves and twigs. It avoids open habitats but readily occupies ecotones and edges where shrub cover is continuous.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The sombre greenbul is the sole living member of the genus Andropadus. Despite its drab plumage, it is conspicuous thanks to its loud, scolding calls and repetitive phrases. It adapts well to human-altered habitats, often frequenting gardens and thickets near settlements. Nests are neat cup structures placed low in dense shrubs, typically with two eggs.
Nominate subspecies at the Crocodile River, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Temperament
skulking but vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Territorial around breeding sites, with both sexes participating in nest building and feeding young. Cup nests are placed low in dense shrubs or creepers, typically holding two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, repetitive phrases interspersed with scolding churrs and chattering notes. Calls carry well through dense vegetation and are often the first clue to its presence.
