Western Plantain-eater
NameWestern Plantain-eater
Common NameWestern Plantain-eater
Scientific NameCrinifer piscator
FamilyMusophagidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)50
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly grey-brown. The head and upper breast are dark brown to blackish, contrasting with a bright yellow bill. The back and wings are grey with fine dark barring, giving a scaled or mottled appearance. The belly is paler, often whitish with streaking, and the tail is long and dark.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, raucous, and often harsh calls, typically a series of 'kow-kow-kow' or 'caw-caw-caw' notes that can accelerate into a cackling sound.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across West and Central Africa, ranging from Senegal east to the Central African Republic and northern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow bill, dark face and upper breast, grey-brown body with scaled appearance on back, long tail, loud, harsh calls
Description
This large, grey-brown bird is characterized by its distinctive bright yellow bill and dark face. It is often found in open woodlands and savannas, foraging primarily for fruits, especially plantains, and also consuming insects. They are known for their loud, raucous calls.
