The yellow-eyed bristlebill is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in central Africa.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill tropical evergreen forests from the Congo Basin east toward western Uganda. Prefers dense understory, vine tangles, and thickets along forest edges, streams, and swampy patches. It tolerates secondary growth and selectively logged forest if sufficient cover remains. Typically avoids open habitats and remains close to dense cover while foraging.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-eyed bristlebill is a secretive understory bulbul noted for its striking yellow iris and the stiff bristles at the base of its bill that help it probe leaf litter and tangled foliage. It often moves in pairs and performs antiphonal duets, with male and female alternating clear, ringing notes. Though elusive, it can be detected by its distinctive whistled song in dense, humid forests.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense understory. Pairs often remain in contact with soft calls and engage in coordinated duets. Nests are typically placed low in dense vegetation, where they remain well concealed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, ringing whistles, often delivered as an antiphonal duet between mates. Calls include sharp chack and harsher notes given when disturbed.
Plumage
Plain olive-green to olive-brown upperparts with slightly paler, yellowish-olive underparts; wings and tail dusky-olive. Feathers around the bill base form short, stiff bristles typical of bristlebills. Overall appearance is subdued but with a clean, uniform look in the understory.
Diet
Feeds mainly on arthropods such as insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and leaf litter. It probes tangles and dead leaf clusters, often hovering briefly to pick prey. Occasionally takes small fruits or berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and lower midstory of humid forest, especially along dense thickets and vine tangles. Frequently works near stream margins and in regenerating secondary forest with heavy undergrowth.
