Knysna Turaco

The Knysna turaco, also known as the Knysna loerie in South Africa, is a vibrant member of the African musophagidae family. This bird is adorned with a predominantly green plumage, accented by a striking tall green crest with white tips. Its small but robust orange-red bill and a delicate white line beneath the eye offer a stark contrast to its green attire. The Knysna turaco measures a length of 40–42 cm, inclusive of its elongated tail, and exhibits brown eyes encircled by a deep red eye-ring. When in flight, one cannot miss the vivid crimson primary flight feathers that flash conspicuously.

Identification Tips

To identify the Knysna turaco, look for the unique combination of its green plumage, red bill, and the white line under its eye. The tall crest tipped with white is distinctive, as are the crimson flight feathers visible in flight. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles can be recognized by their shorter crests, which lack the white tips.

Habitat

The Knysna turaco is a resident breeder in the mature evergreen forests, where it finds sanctuary and sustenance.

Distribution

This species is native to the southern and eastern regions of South Africa, as well as Eswatini. It has carved out a niche in these locales, thriving amidst the verdant canopies.

Behaviour

The Knysna turaco is often seen either darting between the trees or hopping along branches. It is a bird that, despite its bright colors, can be quite inconspicuous in the treetops.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Knysna turaco includes a loud and distinctive kow-kow-kow-kow call, which resonates through its forest home.

Breeding

The Knysna turaco lays two eggs in a shallow platform nest constructed from sticks, which it situates within a tree or amidst a cluster of creepers.

Similar Species

While unique within its range, the Knysna turaco was once considered a subspecies of the green turaco of West Africa. It also shares its family with the Livingstone's and Schalow's turacos, which were previously classified as its subspecies.

Diet and Feeding

A diet rich in fruit, insects, and earthworms sustains the Knysna turaco, providing it with the necessary nutrients to thrive in its arboreal habitat.

Conservation status

The Knysna turaco is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population within its natural range.