The violet turaco, also known as the violaceous plantain eater, is a large turaco, a group of African otidimorphae.
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Senegal and Gambia east through Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and into Nigeria and western Cameroon. It inhabits lowland rainforest edges, gallery forests along rivers, wooded savanna with tall trees, and farm-woodland mosaics. Often found in fruiting fig trees and oil palm stands, and it tolerates human-modified landscapes where large fruiting trees persist. Typically an arboreal species, it uses continuous canopy and tall riparian belts for movement and foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The violet turaco, also called the violaceous plantain-eater, is a striking West African turaco famous for its deep violet plumage and vivid crimson flight feathers. Those red wing feathers contain turacin, a rare copper-based pigment unique to turacos. Highly arboreal, it prefers running and hopping through tree canopies to long flights. In flight it flashes bright crimson wings and a yellow frontal shield, making it unmistakable.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, loose groups that move quietly through the canopy. Pairs are monogamous; both sexes build a flimsy twig platform nest and share incubation and chick care. They are wary but curious, often retreating into dense foliage when disturbed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, resonant croaks and bark-like calls that carry through the forest. They also give harsh rattles and chattering notes during group movements and at dawn.
Plumage
Glossy deep violet body with bright crimson primary feathers and a contrasting yellow frontal shield and crest.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, favoring figs, oil palm fruits, and other soft, fleshy fruits. They also take berries and occasionally buds and flowers. Insects or small invertebrates may be consumed opportunistically, especially for growing chicks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy and mid-story of fruiting trees, often along forest edges and river corridors. Will visit orchards, gardens, and farmlands with mature fruiting trees.
