Fischer's Turaco

Overview

Fischer's turaco (Tauraco fischeri), also known as the East African red-crested lourie, is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae. It is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and trapping for the wildlife trade.

Identification

• Plumage: Green body with a white-tipped reddish crest, black belly, red primaries, green-blue wings, and a dark blue-green tail.
• Markings: Red skin around the eyes margined by a white line extending to the bill and a small black patch below bordered by a white line.
• Size: Approximately 40 cm in length, with males weighing 230–269 g and females 227–283 g.
• Song: A series of loud growls where rising notes commence slowly and progress as up to 12 identical notes.

Habitat

Found in coastal and riverine forest and woodland in Coastal East Africa, specifically Kenya, north-eastern Tanzania, and southern Somalia. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests, as well as arable land, preferring the canopy and sub-canopy of mature fruiting trees.

Diet

Primarily feeds on fruits, especially figs and berries, but also consumes flower buds, young leaf shoots, and insects.

Did you know?

Although common in its limited range, the species is more often heard than seen because it typically travels alone or in pairs, making it difficult to spot.