Garden birds of Alberton: The Grey go-away-bird

The grey go-away-bird is a common resident in Alberton recognised by both its unique appearance as well as its characteristic call.

It is a medium sized predominantly grey bird with a long tail and a crest. The bird is commonly seen perched on telephone wires or hopping around in search of food. The grey go-away-bird eats seeds, fruits, leaves and buds. It is one of the few birds in South Africa that eats flowers. Flowers from Acacia trees are a favourite for the bird.

This bird is named both for its colour and its call. The call is a repetitive “g’wa-ay, g’wa-ay” with the second note accentuated. The bird is considered very noisy and will readily call when disturbed.

The grey go-away-bird has previously been known as the grey lourie or grey loerie. However, the name was changed to fit the naming of the bird in other areas where there is more than one bird of its genus present.

Sources:

https://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-grey-go-away-bird.html

https://www.birdsinsa.com/birds/corythaixoidesconcolor.htm

Newsman’s Birds of Southern Africa

See also:

https://www.citizen.co.za/alberton-record/171272/garden-birds-of-alberton-spotted-eagle-owl/

https://www.citizen.co.za/alberton-record/170754/garden-birds-of-alberton-masked-weaver/

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