The yellow-lored bristlebill or lesser bristlebill is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in central Africa. It is most often found at lower elevations.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests from southern Cameroon and Gabon through the Republic of the Congo into the western Democratic Republic of the Congo, with occurrences in adjacent regions. It favors dense understory, vine tangles, and riparian thickets inside primary and well-developed secondary forest. Often found near forest edges and along shaded streams. It is most frequently encountered at lower elevations and avoids open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-lored bristlebill, also known as the lesser bristlebill, is a shy understory songbird of Central African forests. Its name comes from the small yellow patch between the eye and bill (the lore) and the stiff bristles at the bill’s base that help it probe leaf litter. It often joins mixed-species flocks, staying low and hidden in dense vegetation. Its clear, ringing whistles carry surprisingly far despite the bird’s secretive habits.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within dense cover but readily joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or vines. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with clear whistles.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, ringing whistles and short phrases, often repeated and responsive to a mate or neighbor. Calls include sharp chups and scolding notes given from concealed perches.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with slightly paler olive to yellow-olive underparts; dusky face with a distinct yellow loral spot. The crown and nape are darker olive-brown, and the tail is plain with minimal contrast. Stiff bristles at the base of the bill are often visible at close range.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and leaf litter. It probes tangles and dead leaves, using its bristle-tipped bill to extract hidden prey. Occasionally takes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory of mature and secondary forests, especially in vine tangles and along forest streams. Often keeps within 1–3 meters of the ground and uses dense cover for protection.
