The purple-crested turaco or, in South Africa, the purple-crested loerie, (Khurukhuru in the Luvenḓa language is a species of bird in the clade Turaco with an unresolved phylogenetic placement. Initial analyses placed the purple-crested turaco in the family Musophagidae, but studies have indicated that these birds do not belong to this family and have been placed in the clade of Turacos with an unresolved phylogeny. It is the National Bird of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the crimson flight feathers of this and related turaco species are important in the ceremonial regalia of the Swazi royal family.
Region
Southeast Africa
Typical Environment
Found from coastal and inland eastern Africa, including southern Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and northeastern South Africa. It occupies evergreen and riverine forests, dense woodland, thickets, and well-treed gardens. The species favors fruiting trees, especially figs, and often follows river corridors and forest edges. It is mostly sedentary, making local movements to track seasonal fruit.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The purple-crested turaco is the national bird of Eswatini, where its crimson flight feathers feature in royal regalia. Like other turacos, its scarlet wing color comes from turacin, a rare copper-based pigment. It is an important seed disperser of many forest trees and figs. Often called the purple-crested loerie in South Africa, it is typically seen in pairs or small family groups.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding bursts
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that move quietly through the canopy. Pairs are monogamous and defend small territories. The nest is a flimsy platform of twigs placed in dense foliage, where 2 eggs are typically laid and incubated by both parents.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, gruff, barking series of kow-kow and kok-kok notes, often delivered in duets. Also gives harsh churring calls and softer contact notes while foraging.
