The White-cheeked TuracoTauraco leucotis, is a species of bird in the Musophagidae family. It is found in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan. A mid-sized species, it measures about 17 inches in length, including a tail of 7.5 inches. This species is the most commonly raised turaco in captive conditions.
The White-crested Turaco has been shown to hybridize with the sympatric Prince Ruspoli's Turaco Tauraco ruspolii that contributed more to concerns about Ruspoli's Turaco that is considered endangered.
In captivity a 'cinnamon' color sport (a recessive color mutation) first occurred spontaneously in birds bred by Mr D Jones in Gloucestershire, England and is now in present in captive birds in other countries.
A single white-cheeked Turaco has been living wild in east London (Leytonstone and South Woodford). The sighting was recorded and confirmed in October 2009. It has survived the climate and potential predators for at least four years and appears to be living in harmony with native species. It's believed to be an escaped or released pet. Sightings in gardens have continued to delight Londoners into late May 2014.