The Turacos: Unique and Colorful Fruit-Eating Birds
Sam G.
March 14, 2023
About the Turacos
The turacos are a group of fruit-eating birds belonging to the family Musophagidae. They are also known as plantain eaters due to their love of bananas and other fruit. Zoo Atlanta has two members of the family: the violaceous turaco (Musophaga violacea) and the western plantain eater (Crinifer piscator).
Anatomical Adaptations
Turacos have several unique anatomical adaptations for feeding on fruit, including short and broad bills, fleshy triangular tongues, and the ability to move the upper beak relative to the skull. They also have semi-zygodactylous feet, which help them move easily between branches to obtain fruit.
Vibrant Colors
The turacos are known for their striking, colorful plumage. They are one of the few bird species that can produce true green pigment, due to turacoverdin, a copper-based pigment found in their feathers.
Unique Features
Turacos lack a crop, have a large proventriculus, and poorly-muscled gizzards. They are also prone to iron overload, so their diet must be carefully managed under managed care.
Visit the Turacos
Next time you visit Zoo Atlanta, be sure to check out the western plantain eaters and violaceous turacos and see if you can spot their unique features and beautiful colors.
Sam G.
Keeper I, Birds
Turacos are a group of birds that are known for their vibrant colors and unique appearance. One such species of turacos is the violaceous turaco which can be found at Zoo Atlanta in Georgia. In this article, we will be talking about turacos and their fascinating characteristics.
Turacos belong to the order Musophagiformes and are found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are medium-sized birds with a length of about 40 to 50 centimeters and a wingspan of around 60 centimeters. Turacos have a distinctive crest on their head and a broad, curved beak. Their coloration is what makes them stand out- they have bright turquoise blue wings, a greenish body, and a red or purple ring around their eyes. These colors are not due to pigment, but instead are due to the structure of the feathers. The feathers contain layers of microscopic platelets that reflect light in a very unique way, giving the turaco its striking appearance.
Turacos are arboreal and spend most of their time in trees, where they feed on a diet of fruits, flowers, and buds. They have strong, curved claws that help them grip branches securely. Nests are made of sticks and twigs and are built high in trees, usually in the fork of a branch where the nest is well-sheltered.
Another interesting characteristic of turacos is their voice. They are known for their loud and distinctive calls, which are used to communicate with each other and to establish their territory. Their call is often described as a series of cooing or grunting sounds, which can be heard over large distances.
At Zoo Atlanta, visitors can see the violaceous turaco in the African Aviary exhibit. The exhibit is a large walk-in aviary with a jungle-like atmosphere, filled with a variety of bird species. Visitors can observe the turaco as it perches high in the trees or feeds on fruit and nectar. They can also listen to the bird’s calls that echo through the aviary.
In addition to the violaceous turaco, Zoo Atlanta is home to many other bird species, including flamingos, eagles, and owls. Visitors can learn about these birds and their unique characteristics through various programs and exhibits offered by the zoo.
In conclusion, turacos are a fascinating group of birds known for their vibrant colors, unique appearance, and distinct calls. The violaceous turaco is just one example of the many bird species found at Zoo Atlanta. With its large walk-in aviary and educational programs, the zoo offers visitors the opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures up close.
