The western bearded greenbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in West Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Upper Guinea forests of countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana into adjacent West African lowland rainforest blocks. It favors primary and mature secondary lowland forests, as well as forest edges and gallery forests. The species keeps mostly to shaded understory and mid-canopy layers where fruiting shrubs and trees are present. It tolerates some disturbance but remains closely tied to forest cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The western bearded greenbul is a forest songbird of West Africa and a member of the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is named for the tuft of elongated pale throat feathers that form a small “beard.” Often joining mixed-species flocks, it forages quietly in the understory and midstory for fruit and small invertebrates. It was formerly treated with the eastern bearded greenbul as one species before being split.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Breeding pairs build a small cup nest concealed in dense vegetation. Both parents typically participate in caring for the young. Territorial calling occurs from midstory perches within dense forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow, fluty whistles interspersed with chattering notes, delivered at a measured pace. Calls include soft chips and rolling notes used to keep contact within pairs or flocks.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler, slightly yellow-olive underparts and a diffusely streaked or washed throat. Feathers are soft and slightly fluffy, giving a somewhat shaggy look around the head and throat. The hallmark feature is the pale, elongated throat feathers forming a small beard.
Diet
Takes a variety of soft fruits and berries, especially from understory shrubs and mid-canopy trees. Also gleans insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates from leaves and twigs. Will occasionally hawk short distances to snatch flushed prey. Diet shifts with seasonal fruit availability.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory to midstory within primary and well-regenerated secondary forests. Often concentrates around fruiting trees, forest edges, and along streams or vine tangles where insects and fruit are abundant.
