Sombre Greenbul vs Black-faced Waxbill

The Sombre Greenbul and Black-faced Waxbill can be distinguished by their plumage and vocalizations. The Sombre Greenbul lacks the distinctive black face and red rump of the Black-faced Waxbill, and their calls differ significantly.

Look for the black face and red rump of the Black-faced Waxbill. Listen for the Waxbill's high-pitched calls and whistled song, which differ from the Sombre Greenbul's vocalizations.

The Black-faced Waxbill has a black face and deep red rump, while the Sombre Greenbul does not. The Waxbill also features a grey-brown back with pinkish wash and black bars, contrasting with the more uniform plumage of the Greenbul.

The Black-faced Waxbill has a high-pitched 'tip-tip' contact call and a whistled 'tee' song, while the Sombre Greenbul's vocalizations are not detailed here.