Lady Ross’ Turaco
Musophaga rossaeGeographic Region: Dense, moist woodlands, riparian forests, and forest edges of central and southern Africa
Isn’t it wild? The Lady Ross’s turaco (Musophaga rossae), also known as Ross’s turaco, is a spectacular, velvety bird belonging to the “banana-eater” family (though it rarely eats bananas). Found in the canopies of Central and Southern Africa, it is often called a “living jewel” because of its shimmering colors.
Real Color Magic: Most birds get their colors from the way light reflects off their feathers. Turacos are the only birds in the world with true red and green pigments (turacin and turacoverdin).
Details
Length: 15-18 inches
Weight: 13-15 oz
Figs, flowers, seeds, occasional insects
Least Concern
Savanna
Exhibit information
Did you know that you can go on safari right here in Rhode Island? View rare and exotic species from far away Africa.
Throughout your adventure, learn how the people, land, and animals of Africa are all interconnected and interdependent while watching zebras, cheetahs, red river hogs, and more in action.
Observe elephants swimming in a waterhole and Masai giraffes reaching high into the trees for a leafy snack.
Can’t find the elephants or giraffes? Head into the Textron Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion. Inside you may catch an elephant bath or training session in progress. You can also learn how Roger Williams Park Zoo cares for animals, both here at the Zoo and out in the wild.
