Phyllastrephus cabanisi
The Cabanis's Greenbul (Phyllastrephus cabanisi) is a medium-sized passerine bird belonging to the bulbul family (Pycnonotidae), characterized by its generally olive-green upperparts and contrasting bright yellow underparts. Measuring approximately 17-19 cm in length and weighing between 25-35 grams, this species exhibits a somewhat plain face, a dark bill, and dark legs, with some subspecies displaying a notable pale yellow or whitish eye that serves as a key identification mark. It lacks si...
This species primarily inhabits the understory and mid-story of moist broadleaf forests, dense woodlands, riverine thickets, and secondary growth. It occurs across a wide elevation range, from lowlands up to approximately 2,200 meters.
The diet consists mainly of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and ants, supplemented with various small wild fruits and berries. They primarily forage by gleaning from foliage and branches.
Cabanis's Greenbuls are diurnal birds, active from dawn to dusk, often spending their time foraging quietly within dense vegetation, though they can become quite vocal. Their primary foraging strategy involves gleaning insects and larvae from the underside of leaves, twigs, and bark, as well as p...
Cabanis's Greenbul is a widespread resident breeder across a broad swathe of Sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in Central and East Africa. Its distribution extends from southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo eastward through Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, south into Zambia, Malawi, and northern Moza...
Least Concern
- The Cabanis's Greenbul is named after Jean Louis Cabanis, a prominent German ornithologist who lived from 1816-1906. - It is a member of the diverse bulbul family (Pycnonotidae), renowned for their often complex and melodic songs. - Despite being relatively common throughout its range, it is of...