Fischer's turaco is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae. It is found in Coastal East Africa, including Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, and arable land. It is threatened by habitat loss and trapping for the wildlife trade.
Region
Coastal East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs along the lowland and foothill forests of coastal Kenya and northeastern Tanzania, with records extending toward southern Somalia. It inhabits moist evergreen and semi-evergreen lowland forest, riverine forest, coastal thickets, and forest–farmland mosaics. The species tolerates edges and secondary growth where fruiting trees are abundant. It also uses mangrove margins and wooded plantations near natural forest. Local movements track fruit availability but it is not truly migratory.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Fischer's turaco is a striking green turaco of coastal East Africa, often revealing vivid crimson primaries when it takes flight. Its red and green colors come from unique copper-based pigments (turacin and turacoverdin) found only in turacos. It plays an important role as a seed disperser for many forest trees and shrubs. Habitat loss and trapping for the bird trade are the main threats to its survival.
Temperament
shy and arboreal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties moving through the mid to upper canopy. Monogamous pairs build a flimsy stick platform nest well concealed in foliage. Typical clutch is two eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Family groups often remain together after fledging while following fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, nasal bark-like calls that carry through the forest, often given in accelerating series. Also produces chattering and bubbling notes during pair contact and territorial exchanges.
Plumage
Rich green body with a contrasting bluish tail and crimson primary feathers visible in flight; short, rounded wings and an erect, white-tipped crest.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, favoring figs and other soft, fleshy fruits, which it swallows whole and later regurgitates seeds. It supplements with buds, flowers, and tender leaves, and occasionally takes small invertebrates. By moving between fruiting trees, it plays a key role in seed dispersal within coastal forests.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy and along forest edges where fruiting trees are concentrated. Also forages in riparian strips, secondary growth, and wooded plantations adjacent to native forest.
