White-bellied Go-away-bird
Corythaixoides leucogaster
| Scientific name | Corythaixoides leucogaster |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Musophagiformes |
| Family | Musophagidae |
| Size | Length about 48-51 cm including the long tail; weight about 170-250 g |
How to identify
Grey bird with a tall pointed crest, clean white belly, long tail, and a dark bill; sexes look alike.
Habitat
Dry acacia and thornbush savanna and semi-arid scrub in eastern Africa
Diet
Mainly fruit, buds, flowers, and leaves, especially wild figs and acacia parts
When it is active
Diurnal; conspicuous atop bushes and trees, giving a loud nasal 'g'away' call
Where it lives
Northeastern and eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and northern Tanzania
How to spot it
Watch the tops of acacias and thornbushes in Samburu, Tsavo, and northern Tanzania; the loud call and upright crest give it away
Photography tips
Include the whole crest and long tail in the frame; a clean sky background suits its grey-and-white plumage
Threats
No major threats; widespread and common in dry bush country
Similar species
Grey Go-away-bird is entirely grey without the white belly; the white-bellied species shows a sharply demarcated white underside.
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