Purple-crested turaco facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Purple-crested turaco
Nominate race in Ithala G. R.
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Gallirex
Species:	porphyreolophus

The purple-crested turaco (Gallirex porphyreolophus), also called the purple-crested loerie in South Africa, is a beautiful bird. It belongs to a group of birds called Turacos. Scientists are still studying exactly where it fits in the bird family tree. This amazing bird is the National Bird of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Its bright red feathers are very special. They are used in important ceremonies by the Swazi royal family.

About the Purple-Crested Turaco

This bird has a striking look. It has a purple crest on top of its head. Its head is green, and it has a red ring around its eyes. The beak is black.

Physical Features

The neck and chest of the purple-crested turaco are green and brown. The rest of its body is purple. It has bright red feathers that show when it flies.

What They Eat and Why It Matters

Purple-crested turacos mainly eat fruit. They are known as large frugivores, which means fruit-eaters. These birds help plants grow by spreading their seeds. They can carry seeds from different plants far away.

When a turaco eats a fruit, it later spits out the seeds. These seeds are still whole and can then sprout into new plants. This helps forests stay healthy and grow. Purple-crested turacos are very important for spreading seeds. They help many plant species survive and thrive.

Where They Live

Purple-crested turacos live in places with lots of trees. They prefer moist woodlands and evergreen forests. These habitats provide them with plenty of fruit to eat.

Where to Find Them

You can find the purple-crested turaco in several countries in Africa. These include Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The southernmost place they are found is near the Mtamvuna River. This river is on the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape in South Africa.

Images for kids

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  Close-up of its head and feathers

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  Visiting a waterhole in uMkhuze G. R.

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  An old drawing by Andrew Smith, showing its red flight feathers