Guinea turaco

The Guinea turaco, also known as the green turaco or green lourie, is a vibrant bird belonging to the Musophagidae family. Initially considered a subspecies of other turaco birds, it is now recognized as a distinct species with several subspecies distributed across West and Central Africa.

The Guinea turaco inhabits forests stretching from Senegal to Angola and extending eastward to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These birds favor subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests and are often found near cultivated areas. They are typically found at elevations up to approximately 1,100 meters. Measuring around 40-43 cm in length, they are easily identifiable by their predominantly green and blue plumage and striking crimson primary feathers.

These birds are non-migratory, remaining within their territories year-round. Their diet mainly consists of a variety of tropical fruits and flowers. Rather than flying, they prefer to hop and climb from branch to branch. Breeding seasons vary depending on the region, with females usually laying two eggs in platform nests constructed in trees. One of their standout features is their loud and distinctive "cawr-cawr" call, which resembles raucous cawing.