The Uluguru mountain greenbul, formerly sometimes known as the Uluguru greenbul, is a species of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is found in eastern Tanzania.
Region
Eastern Arc Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs almost entirely within moist montane and submontane evergreen forest of the Uluguru range, favoring dense midstory and forest edges. It uses secondary growth, vine tangles, and forest gaps where fruiting shrubs are abundant. Steep ravines and ridge-top thickets provide cover and foraging sites. It rarely ventures into open farmland and is sensitive to heavy forest degradation.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This bulbul is restricted to the Uluguru Mountains of eastern Tanzania, part of the biodiversity-rich Eastern Arc. It keeps to mid- to upper-elevation forests and often joins mixed-species flocks. Habitat loss from agriculture and wood collection threatens its limited range. Its soft, whistled phrases carry through dense foliage more than the bird itself is seen.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in pairs or small family groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory. Builds a small cup nest hidden in dense vegetation. Both parents typically participate in care. Territorial calling is most frequent at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, whistled phrases and chattering notes delivered at a steady pace. Calls include soft tchit and chur notes used to keep in contact within flocks.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with slightly yellower edges on flight feathers, and dull olive to yellow-olive underparts. The head is dusky-olive to gray-tinged with a slightly paler throat. Feathers appear soft and plain, lacking bold streaking.
Diet
Takes a varied diet of small fruits and berries, including figs and drupes from understory shrubs. Supplements fruit with insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flying insects. Will follow fruiting events and mixed flocks to exploit seasonal resources.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the forest midstory and along edges where fruiting shrubs are common. Also uses vine tangles and secondary growth near intact forest.
