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
Song & Call Comparison
Rwenzori Turaco
Loud, cackling series of harsh notes with nasal quality; raucous calls carrying powerfully through riparian woodland.
Ross's Turaco
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
Rwenzori Turaco
Ross's Turaco
How to Tell Them Apart
Rwenzori Turaco
Yellowbill: yellow bill; plain olive-brown above; pale buff-white below; long graduated brown tail; slender build; African forest
Ross's Turaco
Large Green-billed Malkoha: green above; pale buff below; large green bill; bare red facial skin; long green-glossed tail; large size
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.