Arizelocichla montana
The Cameroon Mountain Greenbul (Arizelocichla montana) is a captivating passerine, measuring approximately 19-20 cm in length and weighing between 30-40 grams, characteristic of its family, Pycnonotidae. Its most striking feature is its slate-grey head, which contrasts sharply with its vibrant olive-green upperparts and greenish-yellow underparts, fading to a paler belly. A prominent white eye-ring encircles a dark eye, serving as a key field mark for identification, even in the dense montane...
Found primarily in dense undergrowth and mid-story of montane evergreen forests, forest edges, and clearings with tall trees, typically at elevations between 900 and 2500 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a variety of small berries and figs, supplemented with insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which they glean from foliage or catch in short aerial sallies.
Cameroon Mountain Greenbuls are largely diurnal, active foragers, often observed singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the mid-canopy and understory. They employ a combination of gleaning insects and fruit from foliage and sallying after airborne prey. During the breeding ...
The Cameroon Mountain Greenbul is endemic to the high-altitude montane forests of Cameroon, specifically inhabiting the mountains of the Cameroon Volcanic Line. Its primary distribution includes Mount Cameroon, the Western High Plateau (Bamenda Highlands), Banso Highlands, Gotel Mountains, and Ma...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name 'montana' directly translates to 'of the mountains', perfectly reflecting its preferred high-altitude habitat. - The Cameroon Mountain Greenbul is often more easily heard than seen, with its distinctive fluty song being a primary identifier for birders. - Its bright white ey...