Green Hylia
Green Hylia (Hylia prasina) A tiny, restless sprite of West African forests, the Green Hylia is more often heard than seen. Its clear, whistled phrases drift from the mid-storey as it flits through tangled vines and shaded undergrowth, usually in pairs. Despite its vivid green plumage, it melts seamlessly into foliage, revealing itself only in brief flashes of movement.
This species feeds mainly on small insects gleaned from leaves and twigs, often hanging acrobatically while foraging. During the breeding season, Green Hylias construct a delicate hanging nest, well concealed among dense vegetation—an elegant solution for life in the forest interior.
Unassuming in size but rich in voice and character, the Green Hylia is a reminder that some of the forest’s most captivating birds are also its most easily overlooked.
I feel a sense of accomplishment with this photo as I believe there are only 2 birds in the Hylia family - HYLIIDAE. This one and the Tit Hylia(smallest bird in Africa - already in my stream ) which I have both seen and photographed. This was shot on the Kakum canopy and as much as I hate using extenders (as they slow down the auto focus) I ended up using it in manual focus and the skirtish nature of the birds intensifying that challenge.
Green Hylia
Green Hylia (Hylia prasina) A tiny, restless sprite of West African forests, the Green Hylia is more often heard than seen. Its clear, whistled phrases drift from the mid-storey as it flits through tangled vines and shaded undergrowth, usually in pairs. Despite its vivid green plumage, it melts seamlessly into foliage, revealing itself only in brief flashes of movement.
This species feeds mainly on small insects gleaned from leaves and twigs, often hanging acrobatically while foraging. During the breeding season, Green Hylias construct a delicate hanging nest, well concealed among dense vegetation—an elegant solution for life in the forest interior.
Unassuming in size but rich in voice and character, the Green Hylia is a reminder that some of the forest’s most captivating birds are also its most easily overlooked.
I feel a sense of accomplishment with this photo as I believe there are only 2 birds in the Hylia family - HYLIIDAE. This one and the Tit Hylia(smallest bird in Africa - already in my stream ) which I have both seen and photographed. This was shot on the Kakum canopy and as much as I hate using extenders (as they slow down the auto focus) I ended up using it in manual focus and the skirtish nature of the birds intensifying that challenge.