Chlorocichla simplex
The Simple Greenbul, scientific name *Chlorocichla simplex*, is a quintessential bulbul of the dense understory in West and Central African forests. This medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 inches) in length and weighing around 23-38 grams (0.8-1.3 oz), lives up to its name with a rather understated plumage. Its dorsal side is a uniform olive-green, contrasting subtly with pale yellow to whitish underparts, which are often brightest on the belly and undertail coverts...
Found primarily in lowland evergreen forests, the Simple Greenbul also inhabits secondary growth, forest edges, and dense thickets, preferring the dense understory from sea level up to around 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a wide array of insects and other invertebrates, supplemented significantly by fruits, berries, and occasionally seeds, foraged by gleaning from foliage and branches.
The Simple Greenbul is a generally shy and unobtrusive bird, spending most of its day foraging actively within dense vegetation, from the forest floor to the lower canopy. They are largely resident and non-migratory, maintaining territories year-round. Foraging involves gleaning insects and snatc...
The Simple Greenbul has a broad but somewhat disjunct distribution across West and Central Africa. Its range extends from Sierra Leone and Guinea eastward through Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Further east, it is found in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (including Bioko islan...
Least Concern
- The 'Simple' in its name refers to its plain, unadorned plumage, lacking the distinctive facial markings or bright patches found on many other greenbul species. - Despite its widespread distribution across West and Central Africa, its shy nature and preference for dense undergrowth make it a ch...