Livingstone’s Turaco

Tauraco livingstonii

Livingstone’s Turaco is a beautiful but very shy bird of evergreen forests, where it feeds on buds, fruits and flowers. It is very similar in appearance and closely related to, and was previously considered a subspecies of, the Knysna Turaco. They’re usually encountered in pairs or family groups foraging in the forest canopy. Pairs are monogamous and normally raise two chicks during the spring and summer months. Adults measure about 45cm in length and weigh between 260 and 370g.

Livingstone’s Turaco has a very limited distribution in South Africa, being found only in the north-east corner of Kwazulu-Natal where it is common, though much easier heard than seen, in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Beyond our borders it occurs as far north as Tanzania and Burundi. The IUCN considers this species to be of least concern, though citing habitat loss as a concern.

23 thoughts on “Livingstone’s Turaco

  1. naturebackin's avatarnaturebackin

    It is very difficult to photograph such shy birds when they are up in the tree canopy, so your trail cam shots make an excellent and interesting supplement.

    Reply
  2. Anne's avatarAnne

    Ahy or not, you seem to have enjoyed good views of this pair! All the turacos are lovely, as you say. We are very fortunate to have a pair of Knysna turacos living in our garden.

    Reply
      1. scrapydo2.wordpress.com's avatarscrapydo2.wordpress.com

        Aha, dankie. Ek het netnou my nanny nap gedoen en gesit en dink watter voël dit is. Toe dink ek aan kwêvoël en aha dis mos n loerie. Wys jou as mens bietjie in jou geagtes rondblaai vind mens met tye nogal antwoorde.

  3. H.J. for avian101's avatarH.J. for avian101

    I saw the White-cheeked Turaco in Argentina in captivity, but I knew it wasn’t from there. What a beautiful bird, just like the Livingstone Turaco. Great addition, D. 🙂

    Reply

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