- Corythaixoides concolor
Identification
Length 47-50 cm, Mass 202-340 g.
Plumage is plain grey. The eye is brown and the bill, legs and feet are black.
Distribution
Southern Africa; as far north as Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania.
Taxonomy
Corythaixoides concolor has four subspecies:
- C. c. concolor;
- C. c. molybdophanes;
- C. c. pallidiceps; and
- C. c. bechuanae.
Habitat
Woodland, savanna and, in arid areas, riverine woodlands.
Behaviour
In pairs or small groups. Alert and inquisitive, these birds are highly vocal when alarmed; their loud, nasal kwê or kwaa often alerts other wildlife of the approach of a predator (or photographer). Agile in trees, where it forages for fruit, flowers, buds, leaves. Insects and nestlings are also eaten.
Breeding: The nest is an simple platform of sticks in a tree, usually at a height of 3-10 m above the ground. One to four pale blue eggs are laid; the incubation period is 26-28 days.
References
Gibbon G. 2002. Roberts' Multimedia Birds of Southern Africa: Version 3. John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. www.sabirding.co.za
Lepage D. 2008. Avibase. Search for "Grey Go-away-bird" downloaded 1 July 2008.
