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    Musophagidae – Turacos

    Name translates to ‘banana eater’ although their diets contain many fruits and no bananas

    This order includes turacos, plantain eaters, and go-away birds. Birds belonging to this order are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. They are medium to large-sized colorful birds.

    The forest and woodland-dwelling species are known for their bright reds, greens, and blues with prominent crests and long tails, while the five savanna-dwelling species are duller in plumage. Their red and green colors come from copper-based pigments – turacin and turacoverdin and aren’t found anywhere else in the animal world.

    They live mainly in trees and are excellent climbers but poor fliers. Many species in this order are threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.