Crinifer concolor
The Grey Go-away-bird (Crinifer concolor) is a distinctive, medium-sized avian resident of Southern Africa, renowned for its characteristic mournful call. Belonging to the family Musophagidae (turacos), it stands out among its typically brightly colored relatives with its understated, uniform dull grey plumage, complemented by a long, dark grey tail and a prominent, erectile crest that gives it a perpetually alert appearance. Measuring approximately 47-50 cm (18.5-19.7 in) in length, includin...
Found primarily in dry savanna, acacia woodlands, mopane forests, and riparian thickets, often adapting to gardens and cultivated areas at elevations typically below 1700 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of wild fruits and berries; they also supplement their diet with leaves, buds, flowers, and occasionally insects like termites and snails.
Diurnal and largely arboreal, Grey Go-away-birds are typically observed singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, clambering rather than flying short distances between branches. Their distinctive loud, nasal 'gwa-ay' or 'go-away' call serves primarily for territorial defense and communication ...
The Grey Go-away-bird is a widespread and resident species across much of Southern Africa, typically found at elevations below 1700 meters. Its primary distribution extends through Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, southern Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, southern Mozambique, Esw...
Least Concern
- Its common name, 'Go-away-bird,' directly translates from its loud, characteristic call, which sounds like 'gwa-ay' or 'kweh-kweh. - Unlike its more colorful turaco relatives, the Grey Go-away-bird lacks the red and green turacin and turacoverdin pigments, explaining its monochromatic grey plum...