The Grey Lourie, or Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor is the commonest and most widespread of three turaco species that occur in Zimbabwe, being found in most habitats, except forest.

People belonging to most ethnic groups believe that this is the ‘policeman’ of the birds due to its habit of warning animals of a hunter’s approach with its ‘go – away’ call. For this reason it is treated with disdain by some. Conversely, many Shona and Ndebele regard this bird as a beneficial messenger, since it may warn of impending danger, particularly when observed calling and flying in circles ahead of one’s path.

Obscurely, many baTonga and Nambya people believe that if a person looks or points at a Go-away-bird and laughs, they will later sustain injury to a leg or foot.

Ndebele isangomas are also said to prescribe the smoking of their feathers as a cure for chest ailments and these birds may be specifically hunted for this purpose.

Local names for the Grey Lourie in Zimbabwe:

Sviravava, Kuwe, Pfunye – Shona (all dialects)
umGuwe – Ndebele/Kalanga
Simkulwe – Nambya
Mukuwe – Venda/Sotho
nKwenyana – Shangaan
Chamcurure – baTonga

Information for this section was obtained from interviews with contributors only.

For more information on this species visit:

https://ebird.org/species/grygab1?siteLanguage=en_AU

http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-go-away-bird-corythaixoides-concolor