Yellow-throated Leaflove

The Yellow-throated Leaflove (Atimastillas flavicollis) is a charming bird belonging to the bulbul family, Passeriformes. It is the sole representative of the monotypic genus Atimastillas, showcasing a distinctive yellow throat that graces its otherwise greenish plumage.

Identification Tips

This species can be identified by its vibrant yellow throat, a feature that contrasts with its olive-green upperparts and paler underparts. The bird's eyes are keen and surrounded by a subtle eye-ring, while its bill is designed for a generalist diet.

Habitat

The Yellow-throated Leaflove thrives in a variety of environments, including subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist savannas, and subtropical or tropical moist shrublands. These habitats provide the leaflove with ample foraging opportunities and nesting sites.

Distribution

The bird is found across a broad range in western and central Africa, where it flits through the foliage in search of sustenance.

Behaviour

Observations of the Yellow-throated Leaflove reveal a bird that is both active and vocal. It is often seen in pairs or small groups, engaging in typical bulbul behavior as it moves through the trees.

Subspecies

Three subspecies of the Yellow-throated Leaflove are recognized, each with a distribution that reflects the varied landscapes of Africa:

• A. f. flavicollis: Ranging from Senegal and Gambia to northern Cameroon and north-western Central African Republic.
• Bosum Yellow-throated Greenbul (A. f. soror): Also known as the Congo White-throated Leaflove, found from central Cameroon to west-central Ethiopia and central Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Uganda Yellow-throated Greenbul (A. f. flavigula): Spreading from Angola, southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to Uganda, western Kenya, and western Tanzania.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Yellow-throated Leaflove as Least Concern, indicating a stable population across its range. This status reflects the bird's adaptability and the relative health of its habitats.