WESTERN GREY
PLANTAIN-EATER
Cuculiformes
Family: Musophagidae
Genus: Crinifer
Species: piscator
Range: West & equatorial Africa
Habitat: Open woodland & savannas from sea level to 1300m.
Niche: arboreal, diurnal, herbivorous
Wild diet: Fruits & seeds with possibly some arthropods
Zoo diet:
Life Span: (Wild)
(Captivity)
Sexual dimorphism: none
Location in SF Zoo: African aviary
APPEARANCE & PHYSICAL ADAPTATIONS:
Adults have forehead, crown, lores, cheeks, chin, and throat dark brown. A shaggy dark brown
nape crest with whitish edges is unique among Turacos. Upperparts silvery gray with dark brown
spots; the lower breast, belly, flanks, thighs, and under tail
coverts are white with heavy brown streaking, particularly on
Weight: 11.6-12.3 0z.
the thighs. Primary feathers black with a central third of the
Length: 20” beak – tail
inner webs white, forming a conspicuous white wing patch in
flight; tail largely blackish brown. Juveniles less silvery gray on
Wingspan:
upperparts and lack any crest on an otherwise all dark head.
STATUS & CONSERVATION
CITIES III listing though common in much of its range.
Not globally threatened, being widespread and locally abundant over much of the West African
savannas, reaching a density of one bird per 2.5 acres (per hectare) in some areas of Acacia
scorpioides woodland in Senegal. Commonly hunted and trapped for export in several countries,
most notably Guinea.
COMMUNICATION AND OTHER BEHAVIOR
A gregarious species with a raucous ‘cow-cow-cow’, that occurs generally in pairs or small groups.
This is a noisy bird, with one seldom perching or joining its mate without a great deal of commotion.
Pair bonding is exceptionally strong, with much calling, bowing, tail fanning, and food exchanges
taking place during all greeting displays. Courtship display flights are always noisy and impressive.
Less agile in running along branches than other Turacos, as a result tends to fly more, albeit for
short distances with much gliding alternating with rapid wing beats. Frequently comes to ground to
drink.
COURTSHIP AND YOUNG
Generally two grayish white or pale bluish white eggs, oval and slightly glossy, are laid in a fairly
substantial platform of dry sticks some 12–50 ft (4–15 m) above ground in a leafy tree. Incubation is
by both sexes. Hatchlings are covered in grayish-brown down. The fledging period for this species
is presently unrecorded.
Incubation: c.28 days:
# of eggs: 2-3
Sexual Maturity:
Fledging:
MISCELLANEOUS
Formerly Crinifer africanus.
A highly sought after species in the traditional fetish markets of Nigeria.
Sources:
www.turacos.org/westerngreyplantaineater.htm
www.mangoverde.com
created 2007