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Ross’s Turaco – SOLD

$29,000.00

Ross’s Turaco 50cm x 65cm Watercolour on Paper – SOLD
Original artwork by William T Cooper AO (1934-2015)

 

The Ross’s Turaco, also known as Lady Ross Touraco (Musophaga rossae), is non-migratory and native to the open woodlands, riverine forests and humid forest edges of Angola, Burundi, Central Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea, Nigeria, North Botswana, Rwanda, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), Uganda, Western Tanzania, West Kenya, West to Mouth of Congo River, South to Northern Zambia, and the Central African Republic. This species is relatively common in parts of its range.

Ross’s Turacos prefer the canopies of dense trees where they are agile climbers. They are extremely territorial and aggressive to other birds, including raptors. They occur in pairs or small groups but flock in feeding trees where groups will feed on wild or cultivated fruits. Their diet also includes flowers and young shoots, termites, and snails.

Both males and females build platforms nest using twigs in an isolated tree up to 52 feet above the ground. The hen lays 1 to 2 eggs and male and female share in incubating them for about two weeks. The young fledge after a month.  Ross’s Turacos typically measure between 51 and 54 cm (~20 inches), and weigh between 390 and 444 grams – making it the second largest of all Turaco species, even larger than the Violet Turaco. . Other differentiation from the Violet Turaco include the impressive red erectile crest, yellow lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird’s head), and a yellow beak which stretches posteriorly to form a forehead shield. The yellow colouring continues, to form a periophthalmic ring. Its body is a violet blue-black colour, and the legs and feet are black.  The sexes are alike so these birds should be surgically sexed or have DNA feather testing performed.

He is known throughout the world for his paintings: The Australian and New Guinean and Nigerian Governments have bought and displayed his original paintings produced for his earlier books.  Sir David Attenborough has produced documentaries on his work.  The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia gave him a rare accolade by presenting him with gold medal for distinction in natural history art.  He was the first Australian to be given such an award.  The academy does not invite competition for the medal and awards, it only periodically, after scanning the globe for someone “whose artistic endeavours have contributed to mankind”.

Books have occupied most of Mr. Cooper’s working life for the past 40 years.  He has published major works on Birds of Paradise and Bower Birds, Parrots of the World, Australian Parrots, and Kingfishers.  These are equivalent to John Gould’s famous books.   Bill Coopers paintings have set a new standard for excellence for scientific publications.  His paintings are described as modern monuments to science and art.

He is known throughout the world for his paintings: The Australian and New Guinean and Nigerian Governments have bought and displayed his original paintings produced for his earlier books.  Sir David Attenborough has produced documentaries on his work.  The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia gave him a rare accolade by presenting him with gold medal for distinction in natural history art.  He was the first Australian to be given such an award.  The academy does not invite competition for the medal and awards, it only periodically, after scanning the globe for someone “whose artistic endeavours have contributed to mankind”.

Books have occupied most of Mr. Cooper’s working life for the past 40 years.  He has published major works on Birds of Paradise and Bower Birds, Parrots of the World, Australian Parrots, and Kingfishers.  These are equivalent to John Gould’s famous books.   Bill Coopers paintings have set a new standard for excellence for scientific publications.  His paintings are described as modern monuments to science and art. Bill passed away in 2015.

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