A bird of spectacular beauty and intriguing behavior, a true avian jewel of Southeastern Africa. This species is a proud emblem of the Kingdom of Eswatini, where its presence is not only a symbol of the nation’s natural heritage but also a reflection of the vibrant life that thrives in the region’s diverse habitats.

Typically found in the lush, moist woodlands and evergreen thickets that characterize its range, the Purple-crested Turaco also shows remarkable adaptability to suburban areas. This adaptability indicates a level of comfort with human activity, which is not common in many forest-dwelling species. The bird’s preferred environment includes the riparian zones, which are rich in biodiversity due to the abundance of water sources. These vegetative areas adjacent to rivers and streams provide the ideal conditions for the turaco to thrive, offering both food and shelter.

Both male and female Purple-crested Turacos are adorned with glossy, iridescent plumage that shimmers with shades of dark violet, especially noticeable on the crest from which the bird derives its name. When the light catches their feathers just right, the effect is nothing short of mesmerizing. Perhaps even more striking are the bright crimson-red flight feathers, which are most spectacularly displayed during their courtship rituals. These displays involve the spreading of wings to showcase the stark contrast between the red of their flight feathers and the deep violet of their body plumage, creating a visual spectacle designed to attract mates.

As frugivores, Purple-crested Turacos have a diet that consists largely of various fruits. They play a crucial ecological role as seed dispersers, often consuming whole fruits and later regurgitating the seeds far from the parent plant. This process helps to maintain the diversity and health of their woodland and thicket ecosystems by aiding in the propagation of many plant species.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Burundi

2016

Eswatini

2016

Kenya

2016

Malawi

2016

Mozambique

2016

Rwanda

2016

South Africa

2016

Tanzania

2016

Uganda

2016

Zambia

2016

Zimbabwe

2016