The swamp palm bulbul, is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is monotypic within the genus Thescelocichla.
Region
West and Central Africa (Guineo-Congolian forest belt)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland swamp forests, flooded riverine thickets, and the edges of mangroves. It favors palms such as raffia (Raphia) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), including secondary growth and village palm groves near wetlands. Frequently found along slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes, and seasonally inundated forest. It forages from understory to midstory, often in and around palm crowns.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The swamp palm bulbul is the sole member of the genus Thescelocichla, a monotypic lineage within the bulbul family Pycnonotidae. It is strongly associated with wetlands and palm-dominated habitats, especially raffia and oil palm stands. Often secretive, it keeps to dense, wet thickets along rivers and swamps but becomes conspicuous when feeding in palm crowns.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups around fruiting palms. Nests are typically placed low to mid-level in dense, wet vegetation near water. Both parents participate in care, and pairs maintain small territories within suitable palm-rich swamp habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, fluty whistles interspersed with chattering notes. Calls are often delivered from concealed perches within palms and thickets, carrying well in humid swamp habitats.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler, slightly gray-washed underparts and clean whitish flanks and vent. Feathers appear smooth and plain, with minimal streaking. Subtle pale supercilium and slightly darker lores give a gentle facial contrast.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of small fruits and berries, especially from oil palm and other wetland plants. Also gleans insects, spiders, and other invertebrates from foliage and palm fronds. Occasionally hawks short distances to snatch flying insects, and may visit fruiting trees with other bulbuls.
Preferred Environment
Forages in palm crowns, along river edges, and within dense swamp undergrowth. Often remains inside shaded, humid cover, moving methodically through fronds and low branches.
