We have two white-cheeked turaco’s at the park. Nacho, who lives in the aviary closest to the café and Guacamole, who lives with our African grey Hornbill’s. Both are very chatty and love coming over to see new faces.

The white-cheeked turaco is native to Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea, where it is found in Podocarpus and juniper forests in the highland regions.

The majority of this bird’s diet is made up of fruits and some other vegetable matter however it will also feed on small amounts of insects, especially whilst nesting.

Turaco’s are a monogamous species. Reproductive behaviour begins with increased vocalisations and chasing females from tree to tree. The female lays two eggs, incubation is performed by both sexes and lasts 21-23 days. Both parents take care of and feed the chicks. The young begin to fly at about 26 days of age.

Are considered a pest by natives because they feed on crops. Deforestation is also a concern.

• They’re part of the Musophagidae family, which literally means “banana eaters”.
• They breed well in zoos. The first ones were bred in the UK in 1964.
• They cannot fly particularly well, but tend to run quickly through the tree canopy.