Class: Aves

Order: Cuculiformes

Scientific Name: Musophaga rossae

Range: Central Africa (Angola, Zambia, Kenya, Cameroons, Central Africa Republic, etc.)

Habitat: Evergreen forest canopy

Diet: Wild: Fruit, berries, shoots, occasional termites and snails
Fruit mixture

Gestation: Incubation 24-26 days

Litter: Clutch size: 1-2 eggs

Life Span: Indeterminate. Considered a pest and often eaten by people. Food for monkeys and snakes.

Description: Pigeon-like bird about 20 inches long whose body is blackish and wings and tail more dark violet. The bird has a glassy overall appearance. Outstanding characteristics are a crimson head crest, a brilliant yellow face and bill, and crimson flight feathers.

Behavior: Tend to be in pairs or small flocks. Tends to be sedentary, cannot fly very well. Spends its time running around trees inconspicuously and silently. The only time they seem to be around is their hoarse "caw" cry.

Reproduction: Both sexes build a nest of twigs in trees at least 8 or more feet above the ground. The breeding season varies by country, but tends to be fall. The chicks grow fast and by 30 days leave the nest trees supervised by their parents.

Did You Know? So seldom seen because it hides in the trees, but it is a very beautiful bird.