Tauraco schalowi
Schalow's Turaco (Tauraco schalowi) is a spectacularly plumaged, medium-sized arboreal bird endemic to the montane forests and woodlands of south-central Africa. Growing to an average length of 40-46 cm and weighing between 200-300 grams, it is instantly recognizable by its vibrant, glossy emerald green body plumage, a brilliant red bill, and striking white facial stripes contrasting with a dark eye. Its most distinctive feature, however, is an exceptionally long, pointed, deep crimson crest,...
This species primarily inhabits moist evergreen montane forests, riparian woodlands, and woodland savannas, typically found at elevations ranging from 1000 to 2500 meters above sea level.
Primarily frugivorous, their diet consists mainly of various fruits and berries, supplemented by flowers, buds, and occasional insects, all gleaned from tree canopies.
Schalow's Turacos are diurnal and almost exclusively arboreal, spending their days foraging high in the canopy and roosting in dense foliage at night. They are highly agile, moving through branches with a series of hops and short flights, rarely descending to the forest floor. Their diet consists...
Schalow's Turaco is a non-migratory resident species primarily distributed across south-central Africa. Its breeding and year-round range extends from northern Angola and southern Democratic Republic of Congo eastward through Zambia and Malawi, reaching into western Tanzania and northern Zimbabwe...
Least Concern
- Schalow's Turaco possesses one of the longest crests among all turaco species, sometimes reaching up to 12 cm in length. - Its brilliant red and green plumage colors are derived from unique copper-based pigments called turacin (red) and turacoverdin (green), not structural colors like most othe...