The white-cheeked turaco is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae. It is found in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. A mid-sized species, it measures about 43 cm (17 in) in length, including a tail of 19 cm (7.5 in), and weighs about 200–315 g (7.1–11.1 oz). This species is the most commonly raised turaco in captive conditions.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the highland forests of Ethiopia and Eritrea, with range extending into adjacent South Sudan. Prefers moist evergreen montane forests, riparian woodland, and forest edges with fruiting trees. It also uses secondary growth, coffee forests, and well-vegetated gardens near forest margins. The species is generally sedentary, moving locally to track fruit availability within the canopy.
Altitude Range
1500–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
White-cheeked turacos are striking green turacos with a bold white cheek patch and crimson wing flashes visible in flight. They are among the most frequently kept turacos in aviaries due to their hardiness and adaptable diet. Their pigments include unique turacoverdin, a true green copper-based pigment rare among birds. They are important seed dispersers for many montane forest trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups moving through the mid to upper canopy. Monogamous pairs build a shallow twig platform nest in dense foliage. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties, and fledglings often remain with parents for some time.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, resonant calls, including hooting and barking notes that carry across valleys. Calls often come in repeated series during dawn and early morning activity.
