THE Knysna Turaco, previously commonly known as the Knysna Lourie, is one of the more stunning birds to be found in the Highway area.
It is more often heard than seen as it is quite secretive. It is a close cousin to the more frequently spotted Purple Crested Turaco, that has previously featured in the Highway Mail.
ALSO READ: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – African Black Duck
Description
They are attractive, medium-sized birds with a length of 40cm, including a longish tail and a weight of approximately 310g. It is unlikely to be confused with any other species in the Highway area as it has a distinctive tall, green crest that distinguishes it from the more common Purple Crested Turaco.
The crest is tipped with white. A white line just under the eye makes for a strong contrast with the bright green plumage. Its eyes are brown with a deep red eye-ring. If you are fortunate to spot this bird in flight on a sunny day, you will note its crimson flight feathers that make it look quite spectacular. Males and females are very similar and very difficult to tell apart.
Distribution
The Knysna Turaco species can be found on the east coast, from Mossel Bay to eSwatini. They are also present in a narrow, forest bands in Mpumalanga and parts of Limpopo.
Habitat
This is a true forest species and seldom seen elsewhere. It enjoys the Highway area’s riverine forests with good densities of Macaranga, Croton, Red Beech and Quinine trees.
Feeding
The Knysna Turaco are herbivores (frugivores) and feed primarily on berries and fruit, but will also add seeds, earthworms and the occasional insect, such as flying ants, to their diet.
Breeding
They are monogamous and pair for life, with both adults being involved in building the nest, incubating, and caring for the young
Predators and threats
The Knysna Turaco is sometimes attacked by Goshawks and Black Sparrowhawks, but is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, it is believed that the numbers may be declining primarily due to deforestation.
Local information
You will find the Knysna Turaco in most of the riverine and scarp forests in the Highway area. Listen out for their call, which is a very harsh croaking ‘khaaar-khaaar-khaar’ as it moves with great agility from branch to branch. Once you have heard them, you will need to look high up in the forest canopy as they seldom venture to the lower branches.
Interesting facts
Birds rely on the reflection of light from their feathers to produce the colours we see. Turacos, however, are the only bird species that have true red pigment in their feathers. If you find a discarded Turaco feather, put it in a glass of water and the water will start to go pink.
The Turacos also use the bright red feathers to confuse predators. When hunted, they will open their wings and these will be very visible but, as soon as they close the wings, they become almost invisible in the forest, confusing any predator and allowing them to escape.
Support
To support the ongoing work of the Kloof Conservancy, visit its website at https://www.kloofconservancy.org.za.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
