Violet Turaco

Violet Turaco Fun Facts

  • There are 23 recognized species of turacos, all native to Africa.
  • Violet turacos are also known as violaceous turacos.
  • Violet turacos are covered in dark purple feathers except for the head, which has red feathers and a white streak near their eyes. They also have an orange-yellow shield on their forehead.
  • They're not the best flyers but easily navigate their forest habitat by running along branches.
  • Their fourth toe is semi-zygodactyl, which is a fancy way of saying that it rotates backward. This allows the bird extra balance where they need it.

 

Violet Turaco Icarus.jpg  

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo Violet Turaco 

Icarus is our zoo’s violet turaco. Much like Bruce, the tree pigeon, Icarus spends a lot of time in the treetops. However, if he sees one of the Animal Care Specialists delivering food to a creature in the zoo, he will eagerly drop down and see if there are any morsels for him. He eats mostly fruits, seeds, and nuts, so sometimes he spends mealtime in the Wildlife Circle, but most of his diet is in one of our aviary feeders near the Rainbow Bridge and Koi Pond. His favorite places to perch are above the hawk/lemur exhibit, above the meerkat exhibit, and in the large sycamore tree near the treehouse. If you’re lucky you may see Icarus in-person when you visit the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo!

 

 

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