Violet Turaco
Musophaga violacea
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<birdfyi-bird slug="musophaga-violacea"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large, spectacular turaco (48-50 cm) found in West African forests from Senegal to Cameroon. Brilliant glossy violet-purple plumage with a large red bill and bright crimson wing patches. Frugivore of forest canopy. One of the most vibrantly colored African birds.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 42.0 cm | 16.5 in |
| Weight | 360.0 g | 12.70 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Raffles's Malkoha: green above; pale buff below; red-tipped bill; bare red orbital skin; long graduated dark tail; Asian malkoha
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in West African forests from Senegal to Cameroon. Resident in lowland and gallery forest.
Diet & Feeding
Frugivore feeding on figs, berries, and drupes in West African forest. Occasionally takes flowers, leaves, and small invertebrates.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: PL. Incubation: 25-26 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Loud, deep booming call with resonant quality; powerful low-frequency notes carrying impressively across forest.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Musophagiformes (Turacos) |
| Family | Musophagidae (Turacos) |
| Genus | Musophaga |
| Species | Musophaga violacea |
Distribution
Violet Turaco has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Violet Turaco eat?
Where does the Violet Turaco live?
Is the Violet Turaco endangered?
How does the Violet Turaco nest?
What does the Violet Turaco sound like?
How big is the Violet Turaco?
What order and family does the Violet Turaco belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Musophagidae family