Ross's turaco or Lady Ross's turaco is a mainly bluish-purple African bird of the turaco family, Musophagidae.
Region
Central and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occupies riverine and gallery forests, woodland edges, and savanna thickets, as well as secondary growth and wooded farmland with abundant fruiting trees. Common in miombo and mopane mosaics where figs and other wild fruits are available. Frequently forages along forest edges and riparian corridors but retreats to taller trees for roosting and nesting. It adapts well to fragmented habitats provided fruit resources persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Ross's turaco (Lady Ross's turaco) is a striking, mainly bluish‑purple member of the turaco family found in central and eastern Africa. Like other turacos, it shows a vivid crimson wing flash in flight due to the copper-based pigment turacin. It is an agile climber with semi-zygodactyl toes, preferring to run and hop through branches rather than fly long distances. Often kept in large aviaries, it requires a fruit-rich diet and ample perching space.
Ross's turaco at Denver Zoo
A pair in Tropicarium-Oceanarium, Budapest.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding hops between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often moving quietly through the canopy. Forms monogamous pairs that build a shallow stick nest in trees. Two eggs are typical; both parents incubate and feed the young. Chicks climb adeptly through branches before they can sustain long flights.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, far‑carrying barks and rasping croaks, often delivered from high perches. Calls are most frequent at dawn and during group movements, giving a series of harsh, accelerating notes.
