Turacoes: Order Musophagiformes

Turacoes

Turacoes form the order Musophagiformes, and along with mousebirds (Order Coraciiformes), they are the only two orders of birds endemic solely to Africa. Like mousebirds, all 23 species of turaco, forming 7 genera, are in one family. Also like mousebirds, the outer toe of turacoes can be directed toward the front or back of the foot, though most of the time it is at a right angle to the foot. Among all 23 species, the males and females look alike.

Diet

Turacoes by and large are frugivorous, living mainly on fruits while adding the occasional leaf or flower bud. Some species also dine on invertebrates and nectar.

Identification

Turacoes are large stocky birds with long tails. Many are richly colored in emerald green or deep blues and purples. Most have a crest that varies in size, shape and color from species to species. Being rather weak fliers, they tend to glide between trees. Most exhibit a flash of red in the wings when gliding, owing to their scarlet primary feathers. These feathers are so striking that the primary feathers of the Purple-crested Turaco are worn in the hair of the royal family in Swaziland, southern Africa, much as royalty in Europe might don a crown. It’s no surprise then that the Purple-crested Turaco is also the national bird of Swaziland.

Breeding

Turacoes are monogamous and raise their young on a flimsy platform of twigs, much like nests of doves and pigeons. Offspring leave the nest before they can fly, clambering around in branches near the nest.