Purple crested turaco
Black-backed Puffback
Let’s go on with the very common birds of the coastal forest.
The Purple-crested Turaco (Tauraco porphyreolophus, 42 cm) is the most common Turaco in the region. Very color full but the purple crest appears black unless seen in good light. Bright red primary feathers are very conspicuous in flight. Despite its size this turaco is very agile and runs along branches and leaps quickly from branch to branch through canopy. It is mainly frugivorous but also takes leaf buds. It is a very loud singer and can be heard from far.
The Black-backed Puffback (Dryoscopus cubla, 17 cm) is a sedentary bird found single or in pairs, monogamous. Male and female are very similar. Its name comes from the male’s display, it erects back and rump feathers to create a spectacular white powder-puff. It eats mainly insects but also fruit and buds.