JeffWendorff's bird photography portfolio of
Turacos in the family Musophagidae.
The
Turacos bird family literally means "banana-eaters", includes plantain-eaters and go-away-birds. In southern Africa both
Turacos and go-away-birds are commonly known as louries. They are semi-zygodactylous – the fourth (outer) toe can be switched back and forth. The second and third toes, which always point forward, are conjoined in some species. Musophagids often have prominent crests and long tails; the
Turacos are noted for peculiar and unique pigments giving them their bright green and red feathers.
Turacos are medium-sized arboreal birds endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, where they live in forests, woodland and savanna. Their flight is weak, but they run quickly through the tree canopy. They feed mostly on fruits and to a lesser extent on leaves, buds, and flowers, occasionally taking small insects, snails, and slugs. As their name suggests,
Turacos enjoy bananas and can become so tame as to be hand-fed. They are also partial to grapes and pawpaw (papaya).
There are never guarantees when it comes to finding specific bird species on safari, but these birds are fairly common and is certainly a possibility. Be sure to check out my website
Wildlife Workshops to discover many photography classes that feature birds.
