Slender-billed greenbul facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender-billed greenbul |
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| In Maasai Mara, Kenya | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Stelgidillas
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| Species: |
gracilirostris
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| Synonyms | |
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The slender-billed greenbul (Stelgidillas gracilirostris) is a small, active bird. It belongs to the bulbul family of passerine birds. Passerine birds are also known as "perching birds." This means they have feet designed to grip branches.
This greenbul is the only species in its group, called a monotypic genus. It lives in the forests of western and central Africa. You can find it in different types of forests. These include dry forests, moist lowland forests, and moist mountain forests. Its name comes from its thin, pointed beak.
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About the Slender-Billed Greenbul
The slender-billed greenbul is a fascinating bird. It is known for its unique look and where it lives. These birds are often heard before they are seen. They make various calls as they move through the forest canopy.
Where Does It Live?
This bird makes its home in many parts of Africa. It prefers areas with lots of trees and plants. Its natural habitats are:
- Subtropical or tropical dry forests
- Subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests
- Subtropical or tropical moist mountain forests
These different forest types provide plenty of food and shelter for the greenbul.
How It Got Its Name
The slender-billed greenbul was first officially described in 1844. An English scientist named Hugh Edwin Strickland gave it the scientific name Andropadus gracilirostris. He studied a bird he found on an island called Fernando Pó. This island is now known as Bioko.
Later, in 1899, another scientist named Harry C. Oberholser created a new group for this bird. He called this group Stelgidillas. Scientists sometimes study the DNA of birds. This helps them understand how different bird groups are related. Because of these studies, the slender-billed greenbul was moved into the Stelgidillas group.
Other Names for This Bird
Sometimes, the slender-billed greenbul is called by other names. These include the Cameroon sombre greenbul or the Cameroon greenbul. However, be careful! There is another bird called the Cameroon greenbul (Arizelocichla montana). It is a different species.
Different Types of Slender-Billed Greenbuls
Scientists recognize two main types, or subspecies, of the slender-billed greenbul. They are:
- Congo slender-billed greenbul (S. g. gracilirostris)
- This type is found from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau all the way to southern Sudan. It also lives in western Kenya, western Tanzania, south-central Democratic Republic of Congo, and north-western Angola.
- Kikuyu slender-billed greenbul (S. g. percivali)
- This type lives in central Kenya.
