Spotted Greenbul
Ixonotus guttatus
A distinctive rainforest greenbul with olive-brown upperparts, pale underparts, white spots on the wings, and white outer tail feathers. Found in the canopy of humid forest at low and middle elevations, usually in restless flocks of 5-15 individuals, but occasionally gathers by the dozens. Often flicks out one wing, an odd and distinctive behavior. Somewhat similar to nicators, but found in the canopy, and easily separated by the unhooked bill, the white tail edges, and the white rather than yellow spots on the back. Very vocal, constantly giving a penetrating “stick” call.
Identification
The spotted greenbul (Ixonotus guttatus) or spotted bulbul, is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is classified in the monotypic genus Ixonotus. It is widely spread throughout the African tropical rainforest, from Sierra Leone and Guinea to Ghana; southern Nigeria to Uganda, northern Tanzania, eastern and central Democratic Republic of the Congo and extreme north-western Angola. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and moist savanna.
Taxonomy
Genus: Ixonotus; Family: Pycnonotidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Ixonotus guttatus
- Authority
- Verreaux, J & Verreaux, É, 1851
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Ixonotus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Nomadic
Behavior
Migration pattern: Nomadic.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Chocolate-backed Kingfisher
Halcyon badia
A ventriloquial forest kingfisher that is more often heard than seen as it perches in the subcanopy. Distinctive with its blood red bill, broadly chocolate-brown upperparts, white underparts, and bright blue wing patches and tail. Nests in arboreal termite mounds. Song is a series of ten or more easily imitated whistles that rise and then abruptly fall in pitch, “pew pew pew PEW PEW PEW pew pew.”
White-browed Crombec
Sylvietta leucophrys
Small, virtually tailless warbler of montane forest. The facial pattern is distinct, with a rufous-brown cap and eye-stripe and a contrasting white eyebrow and throat. Found in thick areas of montane humid forest, especially tangled undergrowth and vines. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. The song is a quiet series of up-and-down twitters. Chapin’s Crombec is very similar, but White-browed is easily separated by its broad white eyebrow.
Peach-fronted Parakeet
Eupsittula aurea
Distinctive and very noisy parakeet of open woodlands, savannas, and agricultural areas, often venturing into urban areas. Usually forages in pairs or small groups. Mostly green with a yellow belly, a conspicuous orange forehead, pale orange eyerings, a bluish crown, and a gray throat.
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