Bleda ugandae
The Yellow-eyed Bristlebill (Bleda ugandae) is a striking, medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 19-21 cm in length and weighing between 30-40 grams. Its most distinctive feature is its bright, piercing yellow iris, which contrasts sharply with its dark lores and olive-green head. The plumage is generally olive-green on the upperparts, transitioning to a vibrant yellow on the throat and breast, fading to a duller olive-grey on the flanks and belly. Sexes are monomorphic, sharing the sam...
Found primarily in lowland tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, it prefers dense undergrowth, tangled vines, and forest edges, typically below 1,500 meters in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming caterpillars, beetles, ants, and spiders, supplemented by small fruits; it mostly forages by gleaning from foliage and following army ant swarms.
Primarily diurnal, the Yellow-eyed Bristlebill is a notoriously shy and secretive bird, spending most of its time in the lower to middle strata of the forest understory, often remaining hidden in dense foliage. It is predominantly insectivorous, deftly gleaning invertebrates such as caterpillars,...
The Yellow-eyed Bristlebill is endemic to the Albertine Rift region and the surrounding lowland forests of Central Africa. Its primary distribution encompasses eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, notably within the vast Ituri Forest and the Kivu region. The range extends eastward into western U...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-eyed Bristlebill's genus name, *Bleda*, is derived from the Ancient Greek 'blêdos' meaning 'weak' or 'feeble', perhaps referring to its soft calls compared to some other bulbuls, though its far-carrying whistles are anything but feeble. - Its prominent rictal bristles, which give it ...