Phyllastrephus terrestris
The Terrestrial Brownbul is a shy inhabitant of forests and thickets, skulking in the undergrowth where it turns over the leaf litter looking for insects and other invertebrates, small reptiles, fruit and seeds.
Outside of the breeding season they form small groups of up to six individuals, but during the breeding season, which spans the spring and summer months, Terrestrial Brownbuls form monogamous, territorial pairs. Both parents build the flimsy cup-shaped nest in which a clutch of two or three eggs are incubated over a two week period. The chicks become independent very soon after fledging. Adult Terrestrial Brownbuls measure around 21cm in length and weigh approximately 36 grams.
The Terrestrial Brownbul is found over much of southern and eastern Africa, with an isolated population in southern Angola. In South Africa they’re found in suitable habitat from the Garden Route, along the Eastern Cape coast into Kwazulu-Natal, the Lowveld and escarpment of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and into the Waterberg region. We’ve had our best encounters with this otherwise secretive bird at Jack’s picnic spot in the Addo Elephant National Park. The IUCN lists the Terrestrial Brownbul as being of least concern.
DeWetsWild 
Gorgeous photos. Interesting info about them forming small groups when not breeding. We get them here as garden visitors and they enjoy enthusiastic splashing dips in the bird baths. And thanks, now I know why they form small foraging parties only in certain seasons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lucky you are to have this (yet another!) shy bird visiting your home, Carol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a pretty, soft grey. Handsome doesn’t mean flashy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You took the words right out of my mouth, Janet!
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The header picture is outstanding and does these birds a lot of credit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Anne! I suppose you have also shared a picnic with the brownbuls at Jack’s more than a few times?
LikeLike
It is a wonderful place to watch birds close up in their natural environment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed!
LikeLike
This is one beautiful bird, Dries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Lois. Despite not being the most brightly coloured this really is a beautiful bird.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has the shape of the European Starling , it has strong figure and strong bill. I’ve never seen it before. Interesting post, D. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad we could introduce you to another of our special birds, H.J!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The coloring of this bird is similar to our dark eyed junkos. But they are tiny in comparison to this bird. Thanks for the lovely photos and information .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to know you found our post on the Terrestrial Brownbul so interesting, Anne – thank you!
LikeLike
Lovely sharp image!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person