Knysna Turaco

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Knysna Turaco

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Cuculiformes
Family:	Musophagidae
Genus:	Tauraco
Species:	T. corythaix

Binomial name

Tauraco corythaix
(Wagler, 1827)

The Knysna Turaco, or, in South Africa, Knysna Lourie, Tauraco corythaix , is a large turaco, one of a group of African near-passerine birds. It is a resident breeder in the mature evergreen forests of southern and eastern South Africa. It was formerly sometimes considered to be a subspecies of the Green Turaco of West Africa.

This species lays two eggs in a shallow platform nest made from sticks and placed in a tree or clump of creepers.

This is an unmistakable bird, although often inconspicuous in the treetops. It is 40-42 cm long, including a long tail. The small but thick orange-red bill and a white line just under the eye contrast with the mainly green plumage. It has a tall green crest, which is tipped with white. The eye is brown and the eye-ring deep red. In flight, Knysna Turaco shows conspicuous crimson primary flight feathers. Sexes are similar, but juvenile birds have a shorter crest without the white tips.

The Knysna Turaco is usually seen flying between forest trees, or hopping along branches. It feeds on fruit, insects and earthworms. It has a loud kow-kow-kow-kow call.