The yellow-streaked greenbul or yellow-streaked bulbul is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in eastern and south-eastern Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Eastern and Southeastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal Kenya and Tanzania south through Malawi and Mozambique into eastern Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and northeastern South Africa. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, including evergreen forest, riverine thickets, and scarp or ravine forests. Birds are frequently found along forest edges, secondary growth, and in dense understory tangles. They remain close to cover and move through the midstory and lower canopy while foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often heard before it is seen, the yellow-streaked greenbul gives a series of thin, whistled notes from dense foliage. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks in forest understory, where it forages methodically among leaves and tangles. By eating both insects and small fruits, it helps control pests and disperses seeds. Its plumage is highly camouflaged, making visual detection challenging.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; frequently associates with mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Likely monogamous, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, clear whistles and short phrases repeated from concealed perches. Calls include soft chits and squeaky notes used to keep contact within dense cover.
