Silky turaco

Silky turaco

Adult silk turacos can grow up to 43 cm and can be recognised by their bushy forehead crown. There is also a white spot in front of each eye. The breast, neck and some parts of the face are green in colour. This beautiful plumage gives them an elegant appearance and makes them sought-after collector's items for the bird export trade. Although the Silky Turaco is generally not endangered, the population is declining in some parts of Tanzania due to excessive hunting of the birds.

Nutrition

They feed predominantly on plant-based food. This includes berries, seeds, fruit, young shoots and occasionally insects. Most of the seeds from the fruit are excreted undigested, so the turacos play an important role in dispersal.

Silky turacos have a very "regular daily routine". Firstly, they spend hours searching for food and then eating it. This activity is only interrupted by the hot midday sun. Then the birds retreat to rest in shady forest areas. In the evening, they take to the high trees to give a loud "song concert" together at the end of the day. After this, the night's rest begins.