The White-bellied Go-away-bird, Corythaixoides leucogaster, is a widespread bird of Africa in the turaco family.

Description

This species averages 51 cm (20 inches) in length. Its long, pointed grey and black tail with a white median band is distinctive. A white wing patch is conspicuous in flight. The bill is black in male, pea-green in the female.

Call

Typical calls are a nasal haa-haa-haa, like bleating of a sheep, and a single or repeated gwa (or g'away) It flies from tree to tree in loose straggling groups, calling loudly.

Popular culture

The White-bellied Go-away Bird appeared in the 'Incredible Creatures' series of PG Tips tea cards.

Resources

• Dale A. Zimmerman, Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania, Princeton University Press, 1999