Phyllastrephus poliocephalus
The Grey-headed Greenbul, or Phyllastrephus poliocephalus, is a vibrant yet often elusive member of the Pycnonotidae family, commonly known as bulbuls. Measuring approximately 17-19 cm in length and weighing between 25-35 grams, this medium-sized passerine is characterized by its distinctive ash-grey head and nape, which contrasts sharply with its bright olive-green upperparts, wings, and tail. Its underparts are a dull yellowish-olive, often brighter on the belly, and it possesses a pale, so...
Found primarily in montane and submontane evergreen rainforests, often favoring dense undergrowth, bamboo thickets, and forest edges. Typically occurs at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,800 meters above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark, supplemented by small forest fruits and berries.
The Grey-headed Greenbul is a diurnal and rather skulking bird, often difficult to observe as it forages actively in the dense undergrowth and mid-story vegetation. It typically occurs singly or in pairs, though it frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly those led by larger t...
The Grey-headed Greenbul is a resident species found exclusively within the montane and submontane forests of the Albertine Rift Valley in East-Central Africa. Its breeding and year-round distribution spans parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, southwestern Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. S...
Least Concern
- The Grey-headed Greenbul is endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley, a biodiversity hotspot in Central Africa. - Its pale eye can appear striking against its dark head, serving as a subtle but crucial identification mark in its shadowy forest habitat. - Like many forest bulbuls, it is more often h...