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.
How lucky you are to have this (yet another!) shy bird visiting your home, Carol!
Such a pretty, soft grey. Handsome doesn’t mean flashy. 🙂
You took the words right out of my mouth, Janet!
🙂
The header picture is outstanding and does these birds a lot of credit!
Thanks very much, Anne! I suppose you have also shared a picnic with the brownbuls at Jack’s more than a few times?
It is a wonderful place to watch birds close up in their natural environment!
Agreed!
This is one beautiful bird, Dries.
I agree, Lois. Despite not being the most brightly coloured this really is a beautiful bird.
It has the shape of the European Starling , it has strong figure and strong bill. I’ve never seen it before. Interesting post, D. 🙂
Glad we could introduce you to another of our special birds, H.J!
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 .
Glad to know you found our post on the Terrestrial Brownbul so interesting, Anne – thank you!
Lovely sharp image!
Thanks a lot!