Knysna Lourie {Tauraco corythaix} (original) (raw)

The Knysna Lourie (also known as Knysna Turaco) is a large green bird with a short hooked bill and brilliant red wings. The Knysna Turaco is found only in South Africa and particularly in the Knysna area of the Garden Route.

Did you know? The easiest way to identify the Knysna Lourie from other green turacos is by the white tip on its rounded crest.

This is a large green bird with a short hooked bill and brilliant red wings. The bill is short, deep and sharply curved and is orange-red. The eye is brown and the eye-ring deep red. There is a white line just under the eye, which extends behind the eye. It has a long and heavy tail, which is mostly green - the wing coverts are a darker metallic green.

Did you know? This bird family is known as Lourie in South Africa, but the international name is Turaco.

The Knysna Loerie has a tall, elegant, rounded crested, which is tipped white. The primary wing flight feathers are bright red - which can be seen when the bird is in flight. Usually seen flying between forest trees and hopping with agility in trees and along branches.

Size

Length ranges from 40 - 42 cm from beak to tail.
Weight is 280 to 380 gms when fully grown.

Habitat

Also known as the Knysna Turaco, it is a bird found in Afromontane and riverine forest and in Fynbos, and only in South Africa and Swaziland.

Distribution

The Knysna Lourie is found only in South Africa and particularly in the Knysna area of the Garden Route. Guests staying at any of our Knysna accommodation options can ask their hosts for advice on the best spots to view this beautiful bird in its natural environment. The Knysna Loerie are also resident on the coast of the Eastern Cape and in KwaZulu-Natal.

Diet

Its prime source of sustenance is fruit, insects and earthworms.

Socialisation

Knysna louries clamber around in trees, hopping from branch to branch in search of fruit and seeds, which they swallow whole. They exist usually in pairs or small family groups, and noisily defend their territory with a hoarse 'kow-kow' noise.

Reproduction

Nests at different times of year, depending on region. The nest is a shallow platform of sticks placed in leafy tree or dense creepers. Although two eggs are laid, usually only one nestling will hatch.

Incubation

The eggs are incubated by the female and hatch after 12 to 21 days. Young fledge at 18 days of age but are independant only after an additional 3 weeks.

Life Expectancy

According to Wikipedia, "little is known about the longevity of wild turacos".
Live up to 30 years in captivity.

Predators

African Goshawk and Black Sparrowhawk.

References

Birdlife International; Birds of Eden; Biodiversity Expolerer