Tauraco

bird genus

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July 14, 2026

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The genus Tauraco refers to a group of colorful, fruit-eating African birds belonging to the order Musophagiformes. These birds are known for their vibrant plumage, with some species possessing unique red and green pigments called turacin and turacoverdin, respectively. Turacos are primarily arboreal, spending their time in trees searching for fruit and occasionally invertebrates. They are social birds that move in small flocks but nest individually. The genus Tauraco specifically includes species that are predominantly green and blue, varying in size from about 14 to 28 inches in length.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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