Mammal-associated perching in Yellow-bellied Greenbul <i>Chlorocichla flaviventris</i>

Abstract

The Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris forages mainly in the lower strata for fruit and insects (Louw 2005). In addition, there is a close association of foraging on and with mammals; these include on Impala Aepyceros melampus (Steyn 1975; Johnson 1998), Common Duiker Sylvicarpa grimmia (Vernon 1972; Chalton 1976), Nyala Tragelaphus angasii (Anon. 1968; Wallace & Wilson 1985; Kilpin 2005) (a further report is also likely Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Feely 1972), Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus (Roberts 1993; 1995), and Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus (Bennett 1991). Dell (2006) reports Yellow-bellied Greenbul gleaning for ticks on Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis, Nyala, Impala and Warthog Phacochoerus africanus, mainly in winter months (but this account that also includes Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio and Eastern Nicator Nicator gularis is not clear on the specifics regarding the bird-mammal association). Dean & MacDonald (1981) who comprehensively reviewed feeding associations of birds with mammals indicate Yellow-bellied Greenbul gleaning ectoparasites from Nyala, Impala, and Common Duiker.