Great Blue Turaco

Corythaeola cristata

Allow me to introduce you to the Great Blue Turaco, the largest of all the Turacos. This particular species can be found throughout central Africa, living within small groups in forested areas with elevations below around 2,700 ft. An interesting fact is that they are excellent climbers, but are poor when it comes to flying.

Oftentimes when you see a colorful bird such as this one, you assume that only the males have such excellent, vibrant plumage. Not so with this Turaco! Both the males and the females of the species are bright blue with yellow and red beaks.

Great Blue Turacos feed primarily on different types of fruit, but they occasionally munch on small invertebrates as well.

The species is currently listed as being of Least Concern due to their massive Sub-Saharan range.

IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Africa
Size : Length up to 30in (76cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Cuculiformes

Family : Musophagidae -- Genus : Corythaeola -- Species : C. cristata

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