Corythaixoides concolor (A.Smith, 1833)

Sexual Dimorphism

Males and females of Corythaixoides concolor are similar in appearance.

Size Measurements

The species measures 47–51 cm from bill tip to tail tip, and weighs 200 to 300 g.

General Plumage and Crest

Their plumage is almost uniformly smoky-grey, they have long tails, and a wispy, back-swept crest 6 to 7 cm long that resembles the crest of mousebirds. When the bird is excited, the crest can be raised almost vertically.

Beak and Mouth Features

The strong, decurved beak is black, while the gape and tongue are noticeably pink.

Plumage Variation

Plumage is darkest grey on the chin and throat, and palest around the eyes and on the belly. The breast plumage has a slight olive wash, similar to that of its close relative, the bare-faced go-away-bird.

Geographic Range

This species is native to southern Angola, southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, southern Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini.

Primary Habitat Types

It inhabits arid to moist, relatively open savanna woodlands, especially areas with Acacia trees. It regularly occurs at the edges of miombo woodland, and is common along water courses, in dry riparian forest, and in Acacia woodland growing on alluvium.

Anthropogenic Habitats

It is also commonly found on farms, and in suburban gardens and parks.

Water-related Dispersal

The species requires access to water, and disperses along tributaries of desert rivers when water flows.

Habitat Constraints

It is not found in areas without suitable fruiting trees, and appears to abandon areas where woody plant encroachment takes place.

Movement Patterns

It does not have regular migrations, but wanders irregularly to search for food and water.

Flight Characteristics

While its flight is rather slow and labored, it can travel long distances.

Arboreal Locomotion

When in open tree tops, it displays the agility characteristic of the Musophagidae family, running along tree limbs and jumping between branches.

Group Behavior

It can form groups of up to 20 to 30 individuals that travel together to search for fruit and insects near tree tops.

Diet Components

Its diet consists mainly of fruit (such as wild figs and berries), flowers, buds, leaves, termites, and snails.

Native Fruit Sources

It takes fruit from plants in the genera Ficus, Viscum, Loranthus, Diospyros, Lannea, Ziziphus, Salvadora, Flueggea, and others.

Exotic Fruit Consumption

It also feeds on fruit from invasive exotic species like seringa, and disperses their seeds.