Menelikornis leucotis
The White-cheeked Turaco, Menelikornis leucotis, is an avian jewel, captivating birders with its resplendent plumage and unique calls. Measuring approximately 43-45 cm (17-18 inches) in length and weighing 200-300 grams (7-10.5 oz), this medium-sized turaco is predominantly iridescent green, with a vivid crimson crest and striking white patches on its cheeks, which give the species its common name. In flight, its brilliant red primary flight feathers, colored by the unique copper-based pigmen...
Primarily inhabits montane forests, woodlands, and riverine gallery forests, typically found at elevations between 1,000 and 3,200 meters (3,300-10,500 feet).
Mainly frugivorous, feeding primarily on a wide variety of wild fruits and berries, supplemented by leaves, flowers, and occasionally insects.
Diurnal and highly arboreal, the White-cheeked Turaco spends most of its time high in the tree canopy, descending rarely to drink or forage. They often move in small family groups or pairs, utilizing their agility to navigate dense foliage with remarkable speed, often running along branches rathe...
The White-cheeked Turaco is resident across a significant portion of eastern Africa, primarily found in the highlands of Ethiopia, Eritrea, and extending into eastern Sudan and parts of South Sudan. Two recognized subspecies exist: Menelikornis leucotis leucotis occupies most of central and north...
Least Concern
- White-cheeked Turacos possess unique copper-based pigments, turacin (red) and turacoverdin (green), which are unlike any other avian pigments. - Their red pigment, turacin, is water-soluble; a turaco caught in heavy rain can literally 'bleed' red from its feathers. - They have semi-zygodactyl f...