Tauraco corythaix
The Knysna Turaco (Tauraco corythaix) is a vibrant, medium-sized turaco, instantly recognizable by its dazzling emerald-green plumage and a striking, upright crimson crest. Measuring approximately 40-45 cm (16-18 inches) in length and weighing between 200-300 grams (7-10.5 oz), this arboreal gem also features a prominent white outline around its dark eyes, a contrasting black beak, and most notably, brilliant blood-red primary flight feathers, starkly visible during its characteristic undulat...
Exclusively found in dense Afromontane evergreen forests, coastal forests, and riparian woodlands from sea level up to approximately 1800 meters, preferring the middle to upper canopy.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of wild fruits (especially figs and berries), some young leaves, flower buds, and occasionally small invertebrates. Forages within the tree canopy.
Primarily diurnal and highly arboreal, Knysna Turacos spend most of their lives concealed within the dense forest canopy, often being heard long before they are seen. They are adept at moving through vegetation, using their strong legs and unique semi-zygodactyl feet to hop and climb efficiently....
The Knysna Turaco is endemic to the Afromontane and coastal evergreen forests of southeastern Africa, maintaining a resident presence throughout its distribution. Its primary breeding and year-round range extends across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa, northwards into...
Least Concern
- The vibrant red (turacin) and green (turacoverdin) pigments in their feathers are unique among birds, derived from copper and giving them their brilliant coloration. - Their green feathers are not iridescent but derive their color from a true green pigment, turacoverdin, the only known true gre...