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Knysna Turaco

Tauraco corythaix

Description:

Endemic species of South Africa of the family Musophagidae. Brilliant flashes of the crimson primary feathers are strikingly revealed in flight. At rest it is recognised by its matt-green body and crested head with white markings. Upper tail and folded wings are an iridescent greenish blue; eye rings and bill are red. Fruit-eating birds (frugivorous) that have an agile springing action when jumping from branch to branch. The call is a hoarse "kow-kow-kow-kow" and a quieter "krrr" alarm note. Formally known as the Knysna Loerie in South Africa.

Habitat:

Usually occurs in pairs or family groups in montane mist-belt forests and evergreen forests in lowland and coastal regions.

Notes:

I was very lucky this day to have this Knysna Turaco (Loerie) approach me so inquisitively, as they are very shy birds that prefer the cover of trees. Their call is a distinguishing aspect of the Southern Cape forest, where their call is echoed down valleys, only to hear another responsive call in the distance. The Knysna Turaco is particularly fond of the fruit from the Cape Ash tree (Ekerbergia capensis).

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41 Comments (1–25)

Hunter Hebenstreit
Hunter Hebenstreit 12 years ago

A beautiful species. Definitely something I'd enjoy seeing!

Billo-kun
Billo-kun 12 years ago

Gorgeous *o*

jamiehagwood
jamiehagwood 12 years ago

oh my gosh, this is so pretty!

Kei Heyns
Kei Heyns 12 years ago

Thank you everyone for your awesome comments! One of my favourite birds and very proud of this species.

Gerardo Aizpuru
Gerardo Aizpuru 12 years ago

Very cool Congratulations Kei :)

patty
patty 12 years ago

Congratulations Kei! It is a remarkably beautiful bird and both the pictures and video are wonderful too. Thank you for sharing day and greetings. =)

Smith'sZoo
Smith'sZoo 12 years ago

Wel gedaan! Uiters mooi!

inaralisa
inaralisa 12 years ago

Very nice!

Atul
Atul 12 years ago

Congratulations!!!

Sukaina
Sukaina 12 years ago

neat & pretty bird
great shots

Ashish Nimkar
Ashish Nimkar 12 years ago

Lovely spotting Kei....!!

Kei Heyns
Kei Heyns 12 years ago

Thank you everyone for your kind comments, what a privilege to have received this acknowledgment.

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

Fantastic bird. Congratulations!

Johan Heyns
Johan Heyns 12 years ago

Great stuff Kei! Congratulations on the SOTD!!!!

Harsha Singh
Harsha Singh 12 years ago

Oh! This is a favorite! Love those dramatic eyes. Congrats.

seemanair03
seemanair03 12 years ago

Just awesome!

Uday
Uday 12 years ago

congratulations
great series!

Congratulations Kei!

NuwanChathuranga
NuwanChathuranga 12 years ago

wonderful series! Congratulations Kei !!

Sumukha Javagal
Sumukha Javagal 12 years ago

Wow..! Its so cute...:):):) Congrats for the SOTD..! Very well deserved..:)

lori.tas
lori.tas 12 years ago

Absolutely stunning bird.

Leuba Ridgway
Leuba Ridgway 12 years ago

Congratulations ! beautiful bird - i love the touches of red under his wings ( on video). thanks for sharing this.

Maria dB
Maria dB 12 years ago

congratulations!

Greenphoenix
Greenphoenix 12 years ago

green!!!!!!!!!!!!! amazing

CarolSnowMilne
CarolSnowMilne 12 years ago

Gorgeous bird. Wonderful series of photos and video.

Kei Heyns
Spotted by
Kei Heyns

George Local Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa

Spotted on Feb 27, 2012
Submitted on Jun 5, 2012

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green turaco Knysna Lourie Hartlaub's Turaco Knysna Turaco

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Cape White-eye Bar-throated Apalis Forest Canary African Emerald Cuckoo

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