Introduction
The Western Plantain-eater (Crinifer piscator) is a large, long-tailed turaco in the family Musophagidae. It is a resident bird of open woodland, savanna and cultivated landscapes across West and parts of Central Africa. Its grey-brown plumage, raised crest, bright bill and loud calls make it a conspicuous species in suitable habitat.
Physical Description
The Western Plantain-eater is approximately 50 cm long, including its long tail. It has mainly grey-brown upperparts, a brown head and neck marked with pale silvery streaks, and whitish underparts heavily streaked with brown. The erectile crest extends backwards from the crown and nape, giving the bird a distinctive profile.
The bill is thick and yellow, while a pale wing bar is visible in flight. The sexes are similar in appearance. Juveniles are duller and have a dark, woolly-looking head without the well-defined silvery streaking of adults.
Range and Habitat
The species occurs from Senegal and The Gambia eastwards through southern Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, northern and coastal parts of West Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its range includes both dry and humid parts of the West African savanna belt.
The Western Plantain-eater is non-migratory and has been recorded from sea level to approximately 1,340 metres. It favours open woodland, dry savanna, wooded grassland, farmbush, cultivated areas and riparian woodland. It does not normally depend on closed forest, although it may use forest edges and other areas where fruiting trees are available.
Where to See This Species
Mole National Park, Savannah Region, Ghana
The Western Plantain-eater is reported as very common throughout Mole National Park, especially in woodland and riparian formations. The park’s combination of wooded savanna, watercourses and fruiting trees provides suitable habitat, and the species may be detected by its loud calls as well as by watching prominent tree perches.
Nearby accommodation: Accommodation is available inside the park, including lodge and campsite options. Guest houses and simple lodges are also available in Larabanga and Damongo.
Digya National Park, Bono East Region, Ghana
A survey of Digya National Park recorded the species as resident and common near the lakeshore, in farmbush and in woodland, although it was less frequent in some parts of the park. The mixture of Lake Volta shoreline, savanna woodland and cultivated margins offers realistic habitat for searching.
Nearby accommodation: Atebubu is the main northern access town and has hotels and other basic accommodation. Visitor facilities inside and immediately around the park are limited, so arrangements and local guidance should be made in advance.
Behaviour and Diet
The Western Plantain-eater is diurnal and is often seen in pairs, family groups or small parties. It spends much of its time perched in trees and makes short, direct flights between feeding or lookout sites. Its loud, repeated calls are often the easiest way to locate it.
It is primarily frugivorous. The diet includes figs and other wild fruits, as well as cultivated fruits where available. Seeds and other plant material are also eaten, and occasional animal food may be taken, but fruit forms the main part of the diet.
Breeding takes place in a simple platform nest made from twigs and placed in a tree. Clutches generally contain two or three eggs. Both adults are believed to contribute to incubation and care of the young, although detailed information on breeding biology is limited compared with that available for many more intensively studied bird species.
Identification Tips
Look for a large, grey-brown turaco with a long tail, a raised narrow crest and a conspicuous yellow bill. The pale wing bar in flight, heavily streaked whitish underparts and silvery streaking on the head and breast are useful field marks.
The similar Eastern Plantain-eater (Crinifer zonurus) occurs farther east. Where the ranges overlap or identification is uncertain, compare the tail and breast pattern carefully. The Western Plantain-eater generally shows strong chest streaking and lacks the prominent white tail barring associated with the Eastern Plantain-eater. Geographic location is also an important identification aid.
Conservation Status
The Western Plantain-eater is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Its global population has not been quantified, but it is considered reasonably common across much of its range, locally abundant in parts of Senegal and The Gambia, and currently stable.
The species is adaptable and uses modified landscapes, but local populations may be affected by woodland clearance, loss of mature fruiting trees and capture for trade. Maintaining savanna woodland, riparian vegetation and other areas with established fruiting trees will help conserve suitable habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Western Plantain-eater live?
It lives in open woodland, savanna, wooded grassland, cultivated areas, farmbush and riparian woodland across West and parts of Central Africa.
Is the Western Plantain-eater migratory?
No. It is regarded as a non-migratory, resident species throughout its range.
What does the Western Plantain-eater eat?
It mainly eats fruit, especially figs and other wild or cultivated fruits. Seeds and additional plant material are also included in its diet.
How can the Western Plantain-eater be identified?
Key features are its large size, long tail, grey-brown plumage, raised crest, yellow bill, pale wing bar and strongly streaked underparts.
Does the Western Plantain-eater have a different male and female plumage?
No obvious sexual dimorphism is recognised. Adult males and females are generally alike in appearance, while juveniles have a darker, less streaked head.
Is the Western Plantain-eater endangered?
No. It is currently assessed as Least Concern, although local habitat loss and capture for trade may still affect individual populations.
References
- BirdLife International
- Malimbus
- African Bird Club
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