Yellow-streaked Greenbul
Phyllastrephus flavostriatus
Slim, pale greenbul. The yellow streaks on the underparts are always hard to see. The crown color varies geographically: can be olive-green or gray. Found in moist forest, especially montane forest. The most distinctive attribute of this species is its behavior: creeping along midstory branches in almost woodpecker-like fashion, frequently flicking out one wing. Gives nasal calls and a descending series of more musical whistles. Easily confused with other greenbul species, but much paler overall than most greenbuls, and wing-flicking behavior is diagnostic.
Identification
The yellow-streaked greenbul or yellow-streaked bulbul (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus) is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in eastern and south-eastern Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Taxonomy
Genus: Phyllastrephus; Family: Pycnonotidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Phyllastrephus flavostriatus
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Phyllastrephus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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