About Musophaga violacea Isert, 1788
General Demeanor
Characteristics: These birds are unmistakable, but they are shy and often inconspicuous in the treetops.
Size and Weight
They are approximately 48 cm (19 in) long, including a long tail and a 4 cm (1.6 in) bill. They have a wing length of 21 cm (8.3 in) and weigh approximately 360 g (13 oz).
Plumage and Bill
Their plumage is glossy violet, except for the yellow forehead, chestnut crown and white ear coverts; the bill is thick and red.
Flight Feather Color
In flight, the violet turaco's crimson primary flight feathers contrast with the violet plumage. The red colour in the wings is typical of turacos.
Geographic Range
Habitat: This is a resident bird of West Africa, and has an extremely large range from Senegal through to Nigeria, with isolated populations in Chad and the Central African Republic.
Habitat Types
It occurs in tropical savannas, wetlands, woodlands and forests.
Captive Breeding Observation
Reproduction: Cooperative breeding behaviour has been observed in captivity for this species.
Breeding Season Timing
They breed mainly during the rainy season, but the timing varies by location. Breeding starts around April in Senegal and Gambia, while in Nigeria it occurs between June and October.
Nesting and Parental Care
The female lays two eggs in a flimsy tree platform nest. Both the male and female take care of the eggs and hatchlings.
