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LADY ROSS TURACO
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Musophaga rossae
HOUSE NAME: "Chuck" & "Gonzo"
HABITAT: Forests and deep vegetation of Central and Southern Africa
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
FUN FACT: The Lady Ross turaco is unable to fly long distances. Instead, they are well adapted to jumping and clamoring about on tree branches. This is accomplished by a semi-zygotdactylous fourth toe that can be rotated backwards or forwards
DIET: Mainly a frugivore, although invertebrates (snails, termites) add to the diet.
DESCRIPTION: A pigeon sized bird standing 20 to 21 inches tall and weighs nearly one pound. A two inch prominent crimson crest on the top of the head is unique to this family. Its face lacks feathers so the yellow skin and bill are easily visible. Eyes are brown. The body, tail, and breast are a violet dark blue. The under wings are a brilliant red; while the belly, thighs, legs, and feet are black. Sexes appear alike for the exception of the female’s greenish beak.
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