White-cheeked Turaco
Menelikornis leucotis
A spectacular green turaco with a bushy crest. There are two white marks on the face, though these vary geographically in size, and one subspecies also shows orange on the back of the head. Shows large crimson wing patches in flight. Found in montane forest and woodland. Acts like a typical turaco, bouncing through the trees and flying occasionally with short bursts of wingbeats and long glides. Call is a gruff, accelerating series of “kow” notes. Similar to Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco, but easily separated by its white facial markings.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Menelikornis leucotis
- Authority
- (Rüppell, 1835)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sturnidae
- Genus
- Menelikornis
Range and habitat
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.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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Burrowing Owl
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Cinnamon Hummingbird
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Striking, medium-size hummingbird of dry tropical lowlands. Favors scrubby woodland and edge, gardens, semi-open areas with flowering trees. Wholly cinnamon-colored underparts distinctive; also note the bright red bill, tipped black (red less extensive on immatures). If seen only from behind, can be confused with Buff-bellied and Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds, both of which show a green throat and chest when seen from the side or front.
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