purple crested turaco | watercolour

The Purple-crested Turaco is one of Africa’s most striking woodland birds — a flash of emerald, violet, and crimson moving quietly through riverine forest. Despite its bold colours, it stays surprisingly hidden, climbing and gliding softly between branches and letting its rich, barking call give away its presence before it’s seen. Feeding mostly on fruit, especially figs, these birds move with calm confidence through the canopy. In breeding season, a pair builds a simple nest high in the trees, raising their chicks together with gentle cooperation. Catching a glimpse of a Purple-crested Turaco lifting into the light, its crimson wings glowing, is always unforgettable — a moment of pure, quiet brilliance in the African bush.