Purple-crested turaco

The purple-crested turaco is a striking bird from the Musophagidae family, easily recognized by its vibrant plumage. This beautiful bird holds the distinction of being the National Bird of the Kingdom of Eswatini, where it plays a significant role in the royal family's ceremonial attire, thanks to its stunning crimson flight feathers.

You can identify this bird by its distinctive purple crest atop a green head, a vivid red ring around its eyes, and a black bill. Its neck and chest blend green and brown hues, while its body showcases a rich purple color, accented by those eye-catching red flight feathers.

The purple-crested turaco is not confined to Eswatini; it boasts a broad range across Africa. It can be spotted in countries like Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its southernmost habitat extends to the Mtamvuna River, marking the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.