Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Purple-crested Turacos

This is the 25th in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article will be on the Purple-crested Turacos.

Loeries or Turacos? The formally accepted English name for these birds is Purple–crested Turacos, though perhaps the best description is amaGwalagwala, the cowardly cowards, as they skip nervously along the branches. But then, who would not be cautious when you are clad in such an array of brilliant colours that hunters would want to get their hands onto?

This was a chilly morning recently and this bird was one of a group determined to get the sun on their feathers. I think many people never get a chance to see these birds in the full light because of their nervousness. Their colours range from loud and resplendent shimmering green to subtle tones of peach, olive and powder blue. If one flies overhead you will see the unmistakeable crimson red of the wings; these red feathers are part of the Swazi royal regalia.

ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Trailing Bitter-Tea

Their kukukuk calls are loud and carry across the Valley. Turacos are fruit eaters and will often be found on the many fig trees we have in the area – the Natal Fig (Ficus natalensis), Common Wild Fig (Ficus burkei), Giant-leaved Fig (Ficus lutea), Broom Cluster Fig (Ficus sur), and so on. In my garden there is an inconspicuous Veld Fig (Ficus burtt–davyi), and occasionally their desire for its figs means that a Turaco is willing to chance a close encounter with you. Such trees are not always the most sought after in gardens, but their presence can ensure the arrival of these treasures

Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerts management to any problems.

The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.

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