A stunning, fruit-loving bird native to the forests and savannas of West Africa, and one of the most eye-catching members of the turaco family. With its deep, iridescent violet-blue plumage, bright crimson wing feathers, and vivid yellow-and-red facial features, the violet turaco is a living splash of color—an almost surreal presence when seen flitting through the green canopy.

This bird has a long, graceful tail, a short, rounded crest, and a stout, curved bill. Its plumage is a rich violet-purple, with crimson flight feathers that are particularly visible in flight, creating a burst of color against the sky or forest backdrop. The face is bright yellow with a red eye ring and forehead shield, giving it an almost regal appearance.

Unlike many other vividly colored birds, violet turacos are not primarily songbirds. Instead, they have a series of loud, gravelly croaks and barking calls that carry over long distances. These calls are used to communicate within flocks, warn of danger, or maintain contact as they move through dense vegetation.

Turacos are mainly frugivorous, and the violet turaco is no exception. It feeds on a variety of wild fruits, berries, flowers, and occasionally tender leaves. It plays an important role in the ecosystem as a seed disperser, helping regenerate forest areas by spreading seeds far and wide. Its strong feet and short, rounded wings make it well suited for moving through the treetops, hopping and climbing more often than flying long distances.

Violet turacos are highly territorial, often seen chasing away intruders with loud calls and fluttering flights through the canopy. During the breeding season, pairs build a simple stick nest high in a tree, where the female lays two eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Benin

2016

Burkina Faso

2016

Cameroon

2016

Central Af. Rep.

2016

Chad

2016

Côte D’ivoire

2016

Gambia

2016

Ghana

2016

Guinea-Bissau

2016

Guinea

2016

Liberia

2016

Mali

2016

Niger

2016

Nigeria

2016

Senegal

2016

Sierra Leone

2016

Non-Breeding

Togo

2016