The white-bearded greenbul, is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found from south-eastern Nigeria and western Cameroon to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and extreme north-western Angola. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
West-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon through Gabon and the Republic of the Congo to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with extensions into extreme northwestern Angola. It inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest, especially along forest edges, clearings, and near fruiting trees. The species favors dense midstory and canopy layers but may descend to lower levels to feed. It generally avoids heavily degraded habitats and open farmland.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the conspicuous white 'beard' of elongated throat feathers, this bulbul is a secretive forest songbird. It forages quietly in the midstory and canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks. By consuming figs and other fruits, it plays an important role in seed dispersal in Central African forests.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct flights between cover
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Builds a cup-shaped nest hidden in dense vegetation. Breeding behavior is not highly conspicuous; pairs maintain quiet contact calls while moving through foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of mellow, fluty whistles and rich phrases delivered at intervals from within cover. Calls include soft chups and sharp notes used to keep contact in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with slightly warmer brown wings and tail; underparts are paler olive-gray. The throat sports a distinctive tufted white beard giving a bearded appearance. Overall plumage is plain but with a soft, slightly shaggy texture around the head and throat.
Diet
Eats a mix of fruits (especially figs and small berries) and a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Will occasionally take nectar or soft plant matter. Feeds methodically by gleaning from leaves and twigs and occasionally making short sallies to snatch prey. Seasonal fruit availability influences its movements within territories.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the forest midstory and lower canopy, especially around fruiting trees and along edges of clearings or streams. Often follows mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed insects and shared feeding opportunities.
