Little Greenbul
Eurillas virens
This small greenbul is unusually plain, even by the standards of greenbuls. It does show a rusty tinge to the tail. Found in the understory and mid-story of forest, thickets, and overgrown cultivation. Skulking bird that is difficult to see well, but which is often common. Usually detected by distinctive song, which starts with hesitant introductory notes, then finishes with an explosive, bubbling jumble of notes. Very similar to several other greenbul species. Best distinguished by a combination of vocalizations and lack of a pale eye-ring.
Identification
The little greenbul is a small bird reaching a total length of about 187 mm, with wings of about 80 mm and tail of about 77 mm. The upper tail and wings are brown, while breast and flanks are pale grey-greenish (hence the Latin name virens of this species, meaning "green"). The bill is brown, the iris is brown and the feet are light yellow-brown.
Taxonomy
The little greenbul was originally described in the genus Andropadus and was re-classified to the genus Eurillas in 2010. Alternatively, some authorities classify the little greenbul in the genus Pycnonotus.<p>Five subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Eurillas virens
- Authority
- (Cassin, 1857)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Eurillas
Range and habitat
The little greenbul is found in western, central and eastern Africa. <p>Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and moist savanna.
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Behavior
The little greenbul was the subject of a study regarding the impact of ecotones on biodiversity.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Crimson-crested Woodpecker
Campephilus melanoleucos
Large red-headed woodpecker, widespread from Panama to Paraguay. Found in lowland forest and edges, often perched conspicuously high up on a snag or large tree. More apt to be seen in open habitats compared with Red-necked Woodpecker, but significant overlap. Male is distinctive with barred underparts and almost entirely red head with a black-and-white patch on the cheek. Female distinguished from other large woodpeckers (such as Lineated) by very broad white stripe on face and white V on back. Listen for loud knocking drum as well as various chattering noises.
Pink-throated Brilliant
Heliodoxa gularis
Scarce hummingbird found in cloud forest in the eastern foothills of the Andes in Ecuador, southern Colombia, and northern Peru. Green with a white vent and a small white dot behind eye. Male has a glittering pink throat patch, which is reduced or lacking on female. Small compared to other brilliants, and the only one with a white vent. Found only in remote and relatively undisturbed forest, and rarely encountered.
Golden Whistler
Pachycephala pectoralis
Compact songbird with short bill. Males in much of range are olive above, yellow below, with white throat set in black head; males and females on Norfolk Island are olive-brown with yellowish underparts (brightest on undertail). Females vary across range, with eastern birds having some amount of yellow on the underparts and western birds (formerly treated as full species, “Western Whistler”) being gray-brown above and pale below, lacking yellow. Olive Whistler much browner below, with well-defined whitish bib. Inhabits a great variety of habitats. Bright, whistled song varies, but often has a whip-like ending.
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