Musophaga

bird genus

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

The genus Musophaga is part of the order Musophagiformes, commonly known as turacos. These are colorful, fruit-eating birds native to Africa. The genus Musophaga itself contains two species, notable for possessing unique red and green pigments in their feathers, called turacin and turacoverdin, respectively.1

Turacos are arboreal, spending their lives in trees and feeding on fruits, with occasional invertebrates. They are social birds, often found in small flocks, but they nest individually. Their nests are typically simple platforms of twigs built high in trees.1

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turaco
…green and iridescent turacos (Tauraco, Musophaga, and Corythaeola) are primarily residents of dense broad-leaved evergreen forest; the grayer forms (Crinifer), most of which are called go-away birds (because the calls of some are “g’way, g’way”), are found in more open woodland, including savanna.
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…green and iridescent turacos (Tauraco, Musophaga, and Corythaeola) are primarily residents of dense broad-leaved evergreen forest; the grayer forms (Crinifer), most of which are called go-away birds (because the calls of some are “g’way, g’way”), are found in more open woodland, including savanna.
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