Hartlaub's turaco is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae. It is found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and submontane evergreen forests, forest edges, and well-wooded ravines across parts of Kenya, northern Tanzania, and eastern Uganda. It also uses secondary growth, riparian strips, and wooded farmland where tall trees remain. Birds frequently visit fruiting fig trees and may enter gardens near forest margins. It tends to stay within dense canopy cover but will cross open gaps between woodlots.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Hartlaub's turaco is a canopy-dwelling frugivore of the East African highlands, where it often moves in pairs or small family groups. Like other turacos, it has crimson flight feathers due to a unique copper-based pigment called turacin, and green plumage colored by turacoverdin. It is an important seed disperser for many forest trees and figs.
Temperament
shy but vocal; alert and agile in the canopy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties that maintain loose territories. Nests are flimsy twig platforms hidden in dense foliage; the clutch is typically two eggs. Both sexes share incubation and chick feeding, and juveniles may remain with parents for some time.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, resonant croaks and barking series often delivered as duets between mates. Calls carry far across valleys and are given from concealed perches near the canopy.
Plumage
Velvety green body with dark bluish mantle and tail; crimson primaries and underwings show vividly in flight. Face dark with bold white lines above and below the eye and a contrasting blue-toned crown; short crest. Overall smooth, plush texture typical of turacos.
Diet
Primarily eats soft fruits, with figs forming a major component of the diet. It also takes berries from forest shrubs and occasionally buds and flowers. Insects are taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy and at forest edges, frequently visiting fruiting trees. Will descend to mid-levels in dense cover and sometimes ventures into orchards or gardens near forests.
