Hartlaub's Turaco

Hartlaub's Turaco is a medium-sized turaco endemic to the highland forests of East Africa. Its body plumage is a rich, deep green with a glossy sheen, and its most distinctive features are the bold white markings around the eye, forming a striking facial pattern, along with a tall, glossy blue-black crest.

Like other turacos, it shows brilliant crimson-red flight feathers that are usually hidden at rest but flash vividly in flight.

Key field marks

• Deep green body plumage with a glossy sheen
• Bold white patch in front of the eye and a white line behind it
• Tall, glossy blue-black crest
• Bright crimson-red primary flight feathers visible in flight
• Red bill and red eye-ring

Similar species

Other green forest turacos in East Africa, such as the White-crested Turaco or Ross's Turaco, can appear similar but differ in crest shape and facial pattern; Hartlaub's Turaco's specific combination of white eye markings and blue-black crest, along with its highland forest range, helps confirm identification.

Habitat and range

Hartlaub's Turaco is restricted to montane and highland forest habitats in East Africa, primarily in Kenya and parts of Tanzania and Uganda, typically at elevations from about 1,700 to 3,000 meters. It also inhabits forest edges, wooded gardens, and plantations near natural forest.

Migration

The species is non-migratory and resident, generally remaining within its highland forest range throughout the year.

Behavior

Hartlaub's Turacos are usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups moving through the forest canopy, running along branches and making short gliding flights between trees.

Voice

The call is a loud, harsh, repeated barking or croaking series of notes, often given from a concealed perch within the canopy.

Feeding

It feeds mainly on fruit, along with flowers, leaves, and buds, foraging actively while moving through the forest canopy.

Nesting and breeding

A simple stick platform nest is built in dense forest foliage, typically holding 2 eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick care.