Region

Southeast Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs from coastal and eastern Tanzania south through Mozambique and Malawi into eastern Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and northeastern South Africa. It inhabits evergreen and riverine forests, coastal thickets, and well-wooded valleys, often along forest edges and gallery forests. The species favors tall, fruiting trees and dense canopy cover and will also use wooded gardens and plantations near native forest. It avoids open savannas and very arid zones but can persist in fragmented forest mosaics.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Temperament

shy yet inquisitive; typically stays concealed in canopy foliage

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with gliding between trees

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and sometimes loose flocks at abundant fruiting trees. Monogamous pairs build a flimsy twig platform nest in dense vegetation. Clutches are typically two eggs; both parents incubate and feed the chicks. Territorial calling is common at dawn and late afternoon.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Voice is a series of loud, resonant, barking notes, often rendered as kow-kow or g’kaw g’kaw in accelerating sequences. Calls carry far through forest and are used for contact and territorial announcements.

Diet

Primarily eats fruit, especially figs and other soft wild fruits and berries. It also takes flower buds and young leaves and occasionally small invertebrates incidentally. Fruits are swallowed whole and seeds are later regurgitated, aiding forest regeneration. It forages methodically through the canopy and midstory, moving tree to tree to track ripening crops.

Preferred Environment

Feeds high in the forest canopy and along edges where fruiting trees are abundant. Frequently visits riverine corridors and wooded ravines, and will enter plantations or large gardens with suitable fruiting trees.