Yellow-bellied Greenbul

Afrikaans name: Geelborswillie

Photo © Steven Herbert

Chlorocichla flaviventris

The Yellow-bellied Greenbul used to be known as the Yellow-bellied Bulbul. Some people refer to it as the 'Bush Belly-ache' because of its guttural call which is often heard in suitable habitat.

These birds are fairly shy and are more often heard than seen. They are similar to the Sombre Greenbul but have white eyelids, while that bird has a white eye. The calls are very different as well.

The Yellow-bellied Greenbul can be found in the eastern coastal region, of South Africa, as well as the north-eastern parts of the country. Beyond our borders they can be found as far north as Kenya.

They are normally found in well-vegetated areas, particularly where there is lots of undergrowth. Their food consistes of fruit, seeds, flowers and insects. Sometimes they act like Oxpeckers and may be seen pulling ticks off mammals.

During spring and summer they make their flimsy nests amongst the vegetation. Up to 3 eggs are laid. Although only the female incubates the eggs the male does assist in feeding the young.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Roberts Birds Names by Edition

Edition	Roberts nr	Scientific name
1st	550	Chlorocichla flaviventris flaviventris
2nd	550	Chlorocichla flaviventris
3rd	550	Chlorocichla flaviventris
4th	550	Chlorocichla flaviventris
5th	574	Chlorocichla flaviventris
6th	574	Chlorocichla flaviventris
7th	619	Chlorocichla flaviventris

Edition	Roberts nr	English name
1st	550	Yellow-breasted Bulbul
2nd	550	Yellow-breasted Bulbul
3rd	550	Yellow-bellied Bulbul
4th	550	Yellow-bellied Bulbul
5th	574	Yellowbellied Bulbul
6th	574	Yellowbellied Bulbul
7th	619	Yellow-bellied Greenbul

Edition	Roberts nr	Afrikaans name
1st	550	Geelbors-willie
2nd	550	Geelbors-willie
3rd	550	Geelbors-willie
4th	550	Geelbors-willie
5th	574	Geelborswillie
6th	574	Geelborswillie
7th	619	Geelborswillie

References and further reading

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 34

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 146

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 229

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 498

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 300

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 314

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 503

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 388

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 375

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 292

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 304

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 304

Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 242

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 154

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 222

Common Birds of the North Coast - Author: Bing Comrie - Published: 2005 - Page: 58

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 56

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 186

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 201

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 162

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 73

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 73

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 221

BirdLife South Africa

---

Top

List of South African Birds