Western Plantain-eater

The Western Plantain-eater is a large, long-tailed member of the turaco family found in the savannas and woodlands of West and Central Africa. It is mostly grey-brown with fine streaking on the head and breast, a shaggy crest, and a notably heavy, downcurved yellow bill tipped with red.

In flight it reveals bold white patches on the wings that contrast with the otherwise subdued plumage, a useful identification feature at a distance.

Key field marks

• Large size with a long tail and shaggy crest
• Heavy, thick bill, yellow with a red tip
• Grey-brown streaked plumage overall
• Conspicuous white wing patches visible in flight

Similar species

The Eastern Plantain-eater (Crinifer zonurus) is very similar in appearance and habits but occurs farther east in Africa, with the two species' ranges generally not overlapping, making location the primary distinguishing factor. The Western Plantain-eater's heavy bill and streaked grey-brown plumage separate it from the more colorful true turacos.

Habitat and range

This species occurs across West and Central Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east through Nigeria to Cameroon and the Central African Republic, favoring savanna, open woodland, and riverine or gallery forest edges.

Migration

It is a resident, non-migratory species, though it may shift locally to follow fruiting trees.

Behavior

Western Plantain-eaters are usually seen in pairs or small noisy groups, moving between trees with heavy, somewhat clumsy flight interspersed with gliding. They are conspicuous and vocal, often perching in the open atop trees.

Voice

The call is a loud, cackling, laughing series of notes, often given by several birds together and carrying well across open habitat.

Feeding

They feed largely on fruit, including wild figs, along with seeds, buds, and leaves gathered in the canopy.

Nesting and breeding

A loose stick nest is built in a tree, typically holding 2–3 eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-feeding duties.