Washington turaco (SciiFii)

The Washington turaco (Arborogallorex washingtonensis) is a species of turaco, one of the four species of American turacos of the subfamily Americamusophagidae, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands across North America to help boost biodiversity. This species expresses very little sexual dimorphism, with both males and females being the same deep shade of blue with red head crowns and flight feathers. Females can have slightly more yellow-green beaks while males always have a bright yellow, with both having a forehead shield that flares to a medium orange. Their wings are round and short, best for short bursts of powered flight. They have black legs with three forward facing toes; with a fourth toe being semi-zygodactylous, which makes them nimble canopy dwellers. Size can vary from 15 to 18 inches and weigh just under one pound. They are considered very sturdy birds that can live anywhere from 8 to 20 years. Sources on life spans tend to vary. These birds are largely frugivorous, consuming mostly the fruits, flowers, and seeds of both wild and cultivated plants. They are known for being one of the biggest seed spreaders among SciiFii's birds in North America. They will also eat small insects like termites and snails; especially around brooding season. The Washington turaco form monogamous breeding pairs that share incubation and feeding duties. They lay 3 to 4 eggs which hatch after roughly 25 days. They then spend another 4 to 7 weeks nesting with their parents before they fledge. They become mostly independent before they can fly, opting to climb about in the canopy of the forest. They reach sexual maturity after one year of age and remain near their parents in extended family flocks of up to thirty individuals. Flock members often assist in raising other flock members chicks, especially when the female is a first time mother. These birds are known to become more territorial around brooding season, especially with predatory or unfamiliar birds. The conservation status of the Washington turaco is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the Washington turaco's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii