Yellow-bellied Greenbul

The yellow-bellied greenbul (Chlorocichla flaviventris) is a common species of songbird related to the bulbuls. It reaches an average length of 20-23 cm (8-9 in). It has green to olive upperparts, yellow underparts, and a white crescent above the eye. The bill is thick and black, and the eyes are a deep dark red. It can be confused with the sombre greenbul (Andropadus importunus), which does not have the yellow underparts but has bright white eyes. In flight, the yellow-bellied greenbul shows its bright yellow underwings. It does also have a very telltale call, which is very loud and nasal, and can be described as a shrill and repeating laughter.

The yellow-bellied greenbul prefers thickets, riverine and coastal forests, as well as woodlands, mangroves, and semi-arid scrub. It can also be found in gardens and parks. It is not a shy bird, although it prefers the undergrowth, and is often seen perched in the open, especially when calling. Diet consists mainly of fruits, but also berries, seeds, and flowers, as well as various invertebrates. It has also been known to eat ticks off various ungulate species.

The yellow-bellied greenbul creates a flimsy and fragile nest in the shape of a cup. It is made up of dry grass, tendrils, and other plant material. Sometimes the nest is so poorly made that the eggs can be seen from underneath. The nest is generally attached to the foliage of shrubs and creepers using spider web. One or three eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 14 days. Both parents help with the raising of young until the chicks leave the nest after 16-18 days.

The yellow-bellied greenbul is a very common bird in certain parts of its range, and does well in human environments, such as in parks and gardens. There are no real threats to the species, and it is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.