The Bird With Metal In Its Feathers
By: EjazUlHaqBhat
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Livingstone's turacos are known for having vibrant green and red feathers due to unique copper-containing pigments
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These pigments are called turacoverdin and turacin. They are not found in any other bird or animal species
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The red pigment is found in the wings, while the green is more prominent on the body
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Turacos have a unique ability to absorb and process copper from their diet and use it to produce turacoverdin and turacin
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These pigments are derived from porphyrins, a group of organic compounds
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The amount of copper in their diet can influence the intensity of their plumage
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A more copper-rich diet can lead to brighter green and red colours
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The livingstone's turaco is found in subtropical lowlands of southeastern Africa
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