In South Africa, there is a unique bird that matches the description of a grey bird with a mohawk – the grey go-away-bird, scientifically known as Corythaixoides concolor. This fascinating bird is also commonly referred to as the grey lourie, grey loerie, or kwêvoël.
The grey go-away-bird is a bold and distinctive bird species that can be found throughout the southern Afrotropics. It has a preference for a wide range of habitats, including arid to moist, open woodlands and thorn savannas. You can often spot them in areas with access to surface water, as they rely on it for their survival.
One of the most striking features of the grey go-away-bird is its unique mohawk-like crest. This crest consists of long, slender feathers that stand upright on the bird’s head, giving it a rather punk-rock appearance. The crest is predominantly grey in color, which helps the bird blend in with its surroundings.
The grey go-away-bird is known for its vocal nature and can often be heard before it is seen. Its call is a distinctive and repeated “go-away,” which has earned it the name go-away-bird. This call serves as a warning signal to other animals in the area, alerting them to potential danger.
These birds are monogamous and form strong pair bonds. They are often seen in pairs or small family groups, feeding and roosting together. Their diet primarily consists of fruits, leaves, flowers, and seeds, making them important dispersers of plant species.
While the grey go-away-bird is widely distributed and considered common in its range, it still faces some threats. Habitat loss and degradation due to human activities, such as deforestation and agriculture expansion, pose significant challenges to their populations. Additionally, they are sometimes targeted by bird collectors for their unique appearance.
In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to observe grey go-away-birds in the wild during a visit to South Africa. Their distinctive call always caught my attention, and I was fascinated by their bold coloring and the striking mohawk-like crest. It was a memorable sight to see them perched on tree branches, blending in with the surrounding foliage.
The grey go-away-bird, also known as the grey lourie, grey loerie, or kwêvoël, is a common bird species found in the southern Afrotropics, particularly in South Africa. It is characterized by its bold appearance, including a mohawk-like crest and grey plumage. These birds are vocal and rely on surface water for their survival. While they face threats from habitat loss, they continue to thrive in various open woodland and savanna habitats.