Definition

A colorful, fruit-eating bird native to Africa, characterized by bright plumage (often green, red, or purple), a long tail, and a distinctive crest. Turacos inhabit forests and savannas and are known for their loud, distinctive calls.

Example Usage

The violet turaco's striking red wing patches and green body make it one of Africa's most beautiful bird species.

Origin

From Wolof turag, a West African language term for these birds, adopted into English ornithological terminology.

Fun Fact

Turacos possess unique red and green pigments not found in other bird families; the red pigment turacin is so rare it exists nowhere else in nature.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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