About Crinifer zonurus (Ruppell, 1835)
Scientific Nomenclature
The eastern plantain-eater, also known as the eastern grey plantain-eater, has the scientific name Crinifer zonurus (Ruppell, 1835).
Family Classification
It is a large member of the turaco family, a group of large, arboreal near-passerine birds that live only in Africa.
Distribution and Habitat
This species is a resident breeding bird found in open woodland habitats in tropical east Africa.
Reproduction
It lays two or three eggs in a tree platform nest.
General Appearance Traits
Despite not having the bright brilliant colors of its relatives like the violet turaco, eastern plantain-eaters are common, noisy, and easy to spot.
Size and Weight
They measure 50 cm (20 in) long including their long tail, and weigh between 392–737 g (13.8–26.0 oz).
Upper Plumage
Their upper plumage is mainly grey, with brown spots.
Head and Neck Plumage
The head, erectile crest, neck, and breast are brown with silver streaks.
Underpart Plumage
Their underparts are whitish, with heavy brown streaking.
Distinctive Markings
The eastern plantain-eater has a thick bright yellow bill, and displays a white wing bar when in flight.
Sexual and Immature Plumage
Adult males and females look identical, but immature birds have a black woolly head with no silver streaking.
Related Species Comparison
This bird is similar to the closely related western plantain-eater, but the eastern plantain-eater has white tail bars, and does not have the chest bars and dark wing feather shafts that mark its western relative.
Diet
This species feeds on fruit, especially figs, and other vegetable matter.
