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Saturday, August 29: Due to events taking place outside the Zoo, Franklin Park Zoo will be closed all day. Boston Lights will also be closed that evening. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you on another day. 

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Violet Turaco

Musophaga violacea

About the Violet Turaco

conservation status: least concern

Geographic Range:

range map

Class: Aves
Order: Musophagiformes
Family: Musophagidae
Genus: Musophaga
Species: violacea

Violet turacos are named for their bluish-violet wings and back, highlighted by a small red patch of feathers that spreads widely when in flight. They live on a diet of mostly fruits. As their nickname "the violaceous plantain-eater" implies, the fruits in their diet include plantain as well as figs and a mix of other fruits.