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Sombre Greenbul
Afrikaans name: Gewone willie
Sombre Greenbul
Photo © Steven Herbert
Andropadus importunus
The Sombre Greenbul used to be called Sombre Bulbul. It is quite shy but has a distinctive call that gives its presence away.
It prefers areas with lots of trees and bushes and is common in areas of lowland forest and other places where there are thickets to give it cover.
The Sombre Greenbul is a dull olive colour with a white eye. The sexes have the same colouration. It is similar in looks to the Yellow-bellied Greenbul but that species has white eyelids and a black eye.
Photo © Steven Herbert
They feed on fruit, insects, nectar and flowers. They breed during spring and summer. The female lays up to 3 eggs and incubates them by herself. The male brings her food at times and also assists with feeding the chicks.
References and further reading
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 73Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Year Published: - Page: 163
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 55
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 154
Geoff Lockwood's Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Geoff Lockwood - Year Published: - Page: 91
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 501
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 496
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 314