Ruspoli's turaco, also known as Prince Ruspoli's turaco, is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae. It is endemic to southern Ethiopia where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Endemic to southern Ethiopia, mainly in dry evergreen montane forest, juniper woodlands, and adjacent Acacia–Commiphora bushland. It favors forest edges, riparian thickets, and mosaic landscapes where fruiting trees persist. The species often uses tall Juniperus and Podocarpus for roosting and nesting. It can occur in lightly cultivated areas and village groves if mature fruiting trees are present. Ongoing deforestation and fragmentation restrict it to scattered forest patches.
Altitude Range
1200–1900 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Ruspoli's turaco, also called Prince Ruspoli's turaco, is a striking green-and-blue turaco found only in southern Ethiopia. It shows brilliant crimson wing flashes in flight and plays an important role in dispersing seeds of native fruiting trees. The species was first described from a specimen collected by Prince Eugenio Ruspoli in the late 19th century. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the principal threats to its small, localized population.
Ruspoli's turaco photographed in the Negele Borena region in Ethiopia
Ruspoli's turaco photographed in the Negele Borena region in Ethiopia
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups within territories centered on fruiting trees. Monogamous pairs build a flimsy stick platform nest in dense foliage. Clutches are typically two eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing. Family groups may remain together for some time post-fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, guttural croaks and barking notes, often delivered as duets between pair members. Calls carry far across valleys, especially at dawn and late afternoon, and serve to advertise territory.
Plumage
Predominantly glossy green body with a contrasting deep blue crest and nape; long tail with darker blue-green tones and soft, velvety feather texture. In flight, the primaries flash vivid crimson typical of turacos.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on figs (Ficus) and a variety of other soft fruits and berries. It supplements with buds, flowers, and tender leaves when fruit is scarce. Seeds are often swallowed with the pulp and later regurgitated, aiding forest regeneration. Insects may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of mature fruiting trees along forest edges, riparian corridors, and wooded farmland. It frequently visits fig trees and other seasonally fruiting species and moves between patches as fruit availability changes.
