Turacos are medium-size arboreal birds endemic to Africa, mostly found in forest, woodland and savanna habitats.
They are gregarious, non-migratory birds which move in a family group of up to ten. They can be very noisy especially this Schalow’s Turaco we have here in our camp. This one like sitting on this big olive Tree behind Nelson’s office here at (Mara Bush Camp) and makes calls endlessly! (Couldn’t ignore even if one chose to!)
However, this bird is picky…only responds to females with a smile so to speak. If its a call from another male….it is a call to war, not Love! (You know what I mean 🤭 He is a lover, not a fighter) A man has to defend and fend off his enemies from turf, no?
Musophagidae is the family name of Turacos which directly translate to “Banana-Eaters”
All species are frugivorous(eat fruits), but they are at home and will do just fine with leaves, buds and flowers. Figs are their fave meal
Schalow’s Turaco (Tauraco schalowi). The common name and Latin were given to commemorate the German banker and an amateur Ornithologist Hermann Schalow. Schalow’s Turaco is lighter colour compared to other Turacos with a coppery-jade green that fades to a darker iridescent blue towards the tail. They have a conspicuous long white tripped crest, a small red beak and the skin around the eye is red too.
You can find this bird South of Kenya especially here in Masai-Mara. Schalow’s Turacos are very territorial birds especially of their nesting sites; however, feeds in large flocks.
They lay two eggs which are incubated for 20-22days and within 2-3weeks, the chicks are strong and are capable of climbing out of their nest.
But they don’t get to fly until they are 4-6weeks.
The sky is the limit, No!!?
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