Phyllastrephus icterinus
The Icterine Greenbul (Phyllastrephus icterinus) is a vibrant yet often subtly plumaged songbird belonging to the bulbul family (Pycnonotidae), renowned for its vocal presence within the dense forests of West and Central Africa. Measuring approximately 18-19 cm in length and weighing around 25-35 grams, this medium-sized passerine typically exhibits dull olive-green upperparts that provide excellent camouflage, contrasting with bright yellow underparts, especially on the belly and vent. Disti...
This species primarily inhabits lowland to submontane rainforests, secondary growth, forest edges, and dense thickets, typically at elevations up to 1800 meters.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, which they glean from foliage and branches, supplemented by small fruits and berries.
Icterine Greenbuls are largely diurnal and active, typically observed singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks in the mid-story and undergrowth of their forest habitat. They are accomplished gleaners, meticulously searching leaves and branches for inse...
The Icterine Greenbul has a wide distribution across West and Central Africa. Its breeding and resident range extends from Sierra Leone and Liberia eastward through Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Further east, it occurs across Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (including Bioko Island),...
Least Concern
- The genus name 'Phyllastrephus' means 'leaf-lover' or 'leaf-turner', aptly describing its foraging behavior of meticulously searching foliage for food. - Despite its relatively common status, the Icterine Greenbul is notoriously difficult to observe due to its dull coloration and preference for...