Great Blue Turaco

Identification

The great blue turaco is the largest of all turaco species, measuring 70–76 cm in length. It is unmistakable in the field, with predominantly grey-blue plumage and a striking upright blue-black crest rising approximately 10 cm high. Adults display a white chin, yellow-green lower breast, and yellow belly that darkens to chestnut brown towards the rear. The undertail coverts are chestnut, while the undertail itself is black and yellowish. The yellow bill has a distinctive orange-red tip, and the eyes are brown, surrounded by a ring of black bare skin. The legs and feet are black with yellow soles. Males and females have similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in appearance.

Range & Habitat

The great blue turaco is widespread throughout sub-Saharan African tropical rainforests. Its range extends from Guinea in the west across to the Imatong Mountains in South Sudan, with populations also present in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, western Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. The species primarily inhabits rainforests and gallery forests, showing a preference for densely vegetated woodland areas.

One of the species' notable strengths is its adaptability to human-modified landscapes. Beyond pristine forest, the great blue turaco has successfully colonized areas cleared by humans, demonstrating considerable flexibility in its habitat requirements and allowing it to persist in regions undergoing land-use change.

Behaviour & Diet

The great blue turaco is a highly gregarious species, typically forming small troops of approximately six or seven individuals. This social structure makes them relatively conspicuous and easier to locate within their forest habitat.

The species is an omnivorous frugivore with a diverse diet comprising leaves, flowers, and fruits from numerous plant species including figs, various tropical fruits, and seeds. Fieldwork in Rwanda has shown that leaves constitute around 25% of their diet, becoming increasingly important when fruit availability is lower. In Kenya, seasonal feeding records document consumption of specific fruits and foliage throughout the year. As they feed, great blue turacos play an important ecological role in seed dispersal, typically depositing seeds some distance from parent trees through their droppings.

Best Time & Places to See It

The great blue turaco's gregarious nature and preference for fruiting trees make it a rewarding species to seek. Early morning hours, when birds are most active and vocal, offer the best opportunities for observation. The species' presence in protected rainforests across its range—including national parks and reserves in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—makes these locations prime destinations for encountering it. Look for birds in the mid to upper canopy, particularly around fruiting trees.

Photography Tips

The great blue turaco's large size and striking coloration make it a prized subject for wildlife photographers. Its predominantly blue plumage requires careful exposure metering to avoid blown highlights; shoot in overcast conditions or dappled forest light when possible. The prominent crest and contrasting white chin provide strong compositional elements. Positioning yourself to capture the distinctive orange-red bill tip and yellow belly markings will help showcase the bird's field marks. Since birds often feed in small troops in fruiting trees, patience and positioning near productive food sources increase encounter probability.