Fischer's Greenbul

Phyllastrephus fischeri

Typically dull olive-brown mid-sized greenbul with a long bill, white throat, and reddish tail. Has a whitish eye, and usually shows pale crescents above and below the eye. Found in the thick undergrowth of forest and lush woodland at low elevations. Usually in small groups. The calls are low, gravelly “chrrr” notes, delivered in quick sequence, often by a whole group together. Somewhat similar to Gray-olive Greenbul, but larger, with a darker bill and legs. Similar to brownbuls, but separated by the pale eye and more olive-green coloration on the back.

Identification

Fischer's greenbul (Phyllastrephus fischeri) is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in eastern Africa from southern Somalia to north-eastern Mozambique. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.

Taxonomy

Fischer's greenbul was originally described in the genus Criniger. Formerly, some authorities have considered it as a subspecies of Sharpe's greenbul and some have also considered Cabanis's greenbul and the placid greenbul to be subspecies of Fischer's greenbul.The common name and scientific name commemorate the German explorer Gustav Fischer. Alternate names for Fischer's greenbul include the East Coast olive greenbul and Fischer's bulbul.

Scientific name
Phyllastrephus fischeri
Authority
(Reichenow, 1879)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Pycnonotidae
Genus
Phyllastrephus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: declining.

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.