Western plantain-eater

The western plantain-eater, also known as the grey plantain-eater or western grey plantain-eater, is a large member of the turaco family, a group of large arboreal near-passerine birds restricted to Africa.

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Distribution

Region

West Africa

Typical Environment

Common across coastal and inland West Africa in open woodland, forest edge, savanna with scattered trees, farmlands, and gardens. Frequently encountered in urban parks and around villages where fruiting trees are abundant. Often follows riparian corridors and mosaic habitats with palms and figs. It readily adapts to human-altered landscapes provided tall perches and fruit sources are available.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size45–50 cm

Wing Span65–75 cm

Male Weight0.32 kg

Female Weight0.3 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The western plantain-eater is a large, noisy turaco of West Africa that thrives around towns, farms, and open woodland. It is an important seed disperser, especially for figs and other fruiting trees. Unlike many colorful turacos, it is mostly gray-brown and lacks red wing feathers, but shows striking pale flashes in the wings and tail during flight. Pairs often duet loudly at dawn and dusk.

Gallery

At Nashville Zoo

At Wildlife World Zoo, Arizona, USA

At University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Behaviour

Temperament

social and noisy

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with glides between trees

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often perched conspicuously and calling. Monogamous pairs build a shallow stick nest in trees and share incubation and chick-rearing. They are vigilant and often use prominent perches to scan for danger before flying to fruiting trees.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Loud, raucous croaks and cackles that carry over long distances, often delivered in rhythmic sequences. Duets between pair members are common, especially at dawn and dusk, giving accelerating, grating calls.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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