Rwenzori Turaco vs Ross's Turaco

Gallirex johnstoni compared with Musophaga rossae

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Rwenzori Turaco Ross's Turaco
Scientific Name Gallirex johnstoni Musophaga rossae
Order Musophagiformes Musophagiformes
Family Musophagidae Musophagidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 33.4 cm (13.1 in) 44.9 cm (17.7 in)
Weight 239.0 g (8.43 oz) 396.1666666666667 g (13.97 oz)
Diet Frugivore feeding on figs, berries, and drupes in forest canopy. Occasionally takes flowers, leaves, and … Feeds on figs, berries, and forest fruits in Central Africa. Supplements with flowers and occasional …
Clutch Size 1-2 1-2
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Rwenzori Turaco only

None

Ross's Turaco only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Rwenzori Turaco

Song

Loud, cackling series of harsh notes with nasal quality; raucous calls carrying powerfully through riparian woodland.

Ross's Turaco

Song

Loud, melodic call with musical quality; rich harmonious notes with yellow-billed clarity carrying through forest.

Geographic Range & Migration

Rwenzori Turaco

Endemic to montane forests of the Albertine Rift, particularly the Rwenzori Mountains, at 2,100-3,600 m.

Ross's Turaco

Found in tropical forests across Central and East Africa from Cameroon to Kenya. Resident in forest canopy.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Rwenzori Turaco

Least Concern

Ross's Turaco

About These Birds

Rwenzori Turaco

A medium-sized turaco (40-45 cm) endemic to montane forests of the Albertine Rift in East Africa, particularly the Rwenzori Mountains, at 2,100-3,600 m. Dark blue-black plumage with a crimson crest. Frugivore of montane forest. A high-altitude African forest specialist.

Ross's Turaco

A large turaco (50-54 cm) found in tropical forests across Central and East Africa. Deep violet-blue plumage with a bright crimson crest and crimson flight feathers. Yellow face and bill. Frugivore of forest canopy. Named after Sir John Ross, the Arctic explorer.

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