Overview
The Bare-faced Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides concolor), commonly known throughout southern Africa as the grey go-away-bird or grey lourie, is an unmistakable, vocal member of the turaco family Musophagidae. Clad in a subdued suit of smokey-slate grey plumage and bearing a tall, mobile feather crest, this savanna sentinel is famous among safari travelers and wildlife for its loud, nasal alarm calls that sound distinctly like ‘kay-waaaay’ or ‘go-away,’ warning all nearby fauna of approaching predators.
Biology and Physical Characteristics
Corythaixoides concolor measures up to twenty inches in total length, dominated by an elongated tail that functions as a counterbalance during acrobatic clambering through thorny acacia crowns. Unlike forest-dwelling green turacos, it lacks vivid turacoverdin pigments, sporting a uniform smoky-grey plumage that provides cryptic camouflage against the pale, bleached branches of the dry winter bushveld. Its short, curved black bill is engineered to snip tough acacia leaf pods and pluck ripe wild figs.
Behavior and Ecology
Go-away-birds are social, gregarious birds that travel in loose, noisy flocks of four to twelve individuals. Moving with surprising dexterity through dense, spiny thorn trees, they run along horizontal limbs with rapid, squirrel-like movements rather than flying long distances. When a predatory raptor, leopard, or human appears, the sentinel bird raises its long crest vertically and broadcasts its piercing alarm screech, causing antelope, impalas, and monkeys across the clearing to flee into hiding.
Conservation and Human Impact
Currently evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN, the bare-faced go-away-bird is abundant and widespread throughout southern Africa’s arid woodlands. It is highly adaptable, readily inhabiting agricultural parklands, cattle ranches, and suburban leafy gardens. With healthy numbers established within vast conservation areas such as Kruger National Park, Chobe National Park, and Etosha National Park, no significant survival threats currently confront the species.
Interesting Factoid
The go-away-bird acts as a universal savanna alarm system: its harsh, nasal ‘g’waaaay’ call is recognized by impalas, baboons, and zebras, who immediately look up and flee when the bird sounds the alarm.
Last updated: October 2026