Turaco

Fascinating facts about the Turaco

• When the Guinea turaco takes to the air its wings and tail appear dark purplish, but the primary feathers flash a striking crimson that is unmistakable in flight, a vivid contrast that separates it from other turacos. The bird measures about 40-43 cm in length, so the bright edges are easily seen against its relatively small body.
• The Guinea turaco's call is a loud cawr-cawr that consists of ten to sixteen harsh cawing notes repeated in a raucous series. This vocalisation can be heard echoing through the forest canopy, especially when the bird is defending its territory. Its call is distinctive enough to be recognised even when the bird remains hidden among the leaves. The species is normally sedentary, so the sound often marks the presence of a resident individual.
• A semi-circular crest of bright green sits atop the head of the Guinea turaco and can be erected like a banner when the bird is alert or displaying. The crest lacks the white rear edge found in similar turacos, giving it a clean outline. This erectile feature adds a splash of colour that complements the bird's overall brilliant green and blue plumage.
• The Guinea turaco rarely moves long distances, staying in the same area throughout the year. It is described as normally sedentary and strongly territorial, defending a compact home range in the forest canopy. Because it does not fly very well, it prefers to climb from branch to branch while foraging for fruit and blossoms. This limited movement means individuals are often heard calling from the same trees year after year, reinforcing their territorial boundaries.
• It occupies an exceptionally large West and Central African range, from Senegal across to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and down to northern Angola. Within this vast area it inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland, gallery forests and the edges of rainforests, often near cultivated fields. The bird is common from sea level up to about 1,100 m, thriving in climax forest with tall trees.

Sources

Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.

• Wikipedia

At a glance

About the Turaco

In the lush, emerald canopies of the African forest, the turaco moves with a quiet elegance, its iridescent feathers glimmering like polished jewels as it glides effortlessly from branch to branch. With a soft, whooping call, it announces its presence, a melodic whisper that weaves through the leafy undergrowth, beckoning all to witness its majestic form. As it spreads its vibrant wings, a kaleidoscope of blues and greens dances across its plumage, a breathtaking spectacle that embodies the very essence of this enchanting bird.

More birds to discover

Browse Feravox