Crinifer piscator
The Western Plantain-eater, Crinifer piscator, is a distinctive, large arboreal bird belonging to the turaco family Musophagidae, though it lacks the vibrant plumage of many of its relatives. Measuring 50-54 cm (20-21 inches) in length, including its long tail, and boasting a wingspan of approximately 70 cm (27.5 inches), this species is characterized by its overall greyish-brown coloration, a prominent shaggy crest, a pale belly, and a striking bright red eye. Its most unique field mark is a...
Primarily inhabits open savannah woodlands, gallery forests along watercourses, and cultivated areas with scattered trees. Found at low to mid-elevations, typically below 1500 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits, especially figs and oil palm fruits, supplemented with leaves, buds, and occasional insects. Forages by gleaning items directly from tree branches.
Western Plantain-eaters are diurnal birds, often seen in pairs or small family groups, foraging actively throughout the day and returning to communal roosts at dusk. Their foraging strategy involves agile movement through the canopy, gleaning fruits, leaves, and buds from branches. They are highl...
The Western Plantain-eater is a resident species found across a broad swathe of West and Central Africa. Its breeding and year-round distribution extends from Senegal and Gambia in the west, through Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Furthe...
Least Concern
- Despite its name, the Western Plantain-eater's diet consists of a wide variety of fruits, not just plantains. - It belongs to the turaco family (Musophagidae), but unlike many of its relatives, it lacks the brilliant green, blue, or red iridescent colors. - Its distinctive shaggy crest can be r...