Violet turaco

Scientific name: Musophaga violacea

IUCN listed as: Least Concern

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

Child-friendly

Everyday

Diet

The Violet Turaco primarily feeds on fruits, with a preference for figs and berries, which constitute the bulk of its diet. Occasionally, it supplements its fruit intake with flowers, leaves, and small invertebrates. This diverse diet helps the bird meet its nutritional needs and supports its vibrant plumage. In the wild, they forage in the tree canopy, using their strong beaks to pluck fruit. This frugivorous diet plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding the regeneration of their forest habitats.

 

Violet Turacos eat mostly fruits like figs and berries, which help keep their feathers bright. Sometimes, they also munch on flowers, leaves, and tiny bugs. They use their strong beaks to pick fruit from trees. This diet helps spread seeds, which grow into new trees.

 

Breeding

Breeding in Violet Turacos involves monogamous pairs that build large, flat nests in trees. The female typically lays two eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 21-23 days. After hatching, the chicks are altricial, meaning they are born relatively helpless and require extensive parental care. The parents feed the chicks regurgitated food until they are old enough to eat on their own. Fledging occurs around six weeks of age, though the young may stay with the parents for some time after.

 

These birds build flat nests in trees where they lay two eggs. Both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm until they hatch in about three weeks. Baby birds need a lot of care and are fed by their parents. They learn to fly when they are about six weeks old but stay with their parents for a while.

 

Habitat

The Violet Turaco is native to the tropical forests of West Africa, from Senegal to Cameroon. It thrives in dense, moist forests, preferring areas with abundant fruiting trees. The bird is also found in forest edges, secondary growth, and sometimes in cultivated areas near forests. These habitats provide the necessary resources for feeding, breeding, and shelter. Deforestation poses a threat to their habitat, though their adaptability helps them survive in fragmented landscapes.

 

These birds live in the thick forests of West Africa, where there are plenty of fruit trees. They like areas with lots of trees and sometimes live near farms. They need these forests to find food and make nests. Cutting down trees is a problem for them, but they can live in some changed areas too.

 

At the zoo

In captivity, Violet Turacos are popular due to their striking appearance and relatively peaceful nature. They require enclosures that mimic their natural forest habitats, complete with plenty of vertical space and vegetation. A diet rich in various fruits, supplemented with vitamins, ensures their health in captivity. Breeding in zoos can be challenging but is achieved through careful management of pairs and environmental conditions. Their presence in zoos helps raise awareness about the importance of tropical forest conservation.

 

Violet Turacos are favourites in zoos because they look amazing and are gentle. They live in big cages with lots of plants and tall trees. They get a mix of fruits to eat, which keeps them healthy. Zoos help people learn why it’s important to protect their forest homes.

 

Behaviour

Violet Turacos are social birds, often seen in pairs or small family groups. They are known for their loud, distinctive calls, which help maintain contact in the dense forest canopy. These birds are strong fliers but prefer to move through the treetops by hopping and gliding. They are also territorial, defending their feeding and nesting sites from intruders. Social grooming and vocalizations play key roles in maintaining group cohesion and communication.

Violet Turacos like to stay in pairs or small groups and make loud calls to talk to each other. They move through trees by hopping and gliding rather than flying long distances. They protect their space from other birds and take care of each other by grooming. These behaviours help them stay connected and safe.

Fun facts

  • Bright Feathers: They have vibrant purple and blue feathers.
  • Fruit Lovers: Their favourite food is fruit, especially figs.
  • Acrobatic Flyers: They are known for their agile flights between trees.
  • Loud Calls: They communicate with each other using loud, distinctive calls.
  • Social Birds: They often live and travel in small family groups.
  • Colourful Feathers: They have beautiful purple and blue colours.
  • Fruit Eaters: They love eating fruits, especially figs.
  • Great Flyers: They fly skilfully between trees.
  • Loud Voices: They make loud calls to talk to each other.
  • Family Groups: They like to stay in small groups with their families.

More animals to discover at our zoo

Quick Links

Book Ahead

Tickets & Prices

You can buy tickets for Exmoor Zoo securely online, as well as finding out more price options, discover offers, and more…

Events & Experiences

What’s on…

Exmoor Zoo hosts incredible Events all through the year. You can find out about what we’ve got in store here…

Finding Exmoor Zoo

Routes & info

Like any great discovery, Exmoor Zoo can feel a little off the beaten path – but don’t worry – you can plan your journey with our recommended routes and other useful travel info.