Introduction to Turacos
For bird travelers, the quest to spot the most exotic and colorful birds inevitably leads to the fascinating, vibrant, and in some cases gaudy Musophagidae family, otherwise known as the turacos. Musophagidae is a bit of a misnomer in its etymology. The word “Mus” or “musa” means banana and “phagus” or “phagidae” means to eat. So this family of birds is essentially called the banana-eaters. The misnomer is further perpetuated at the species level, particularly with two species called the Eastern and Western Plantain-eaters. None of the members of the family actually are known to eat bananas, so it is a bit of a mystery where this all came from. With 23 recognized species, spanning Sub-Saharan Africa across 39 countries, the turaco roster is challenging to complete and will take you to some of the most beautiful places on the African continent. This blog will guide you through the best countries to find these magnificent birds, with a special focus on some organized tours that can enhance your birding experience, and ensure your success at finding these incredible birds.
Best Countries to See Turacos and general logistics
You don’t need to travel to all 39 countries to see the gamut of turaco species, but you can’t see all 23 species in one country either; so pack your bags. You’ll be going to some of the best birding and wildlife viewing destinations in Africa. When planning a birding trip to see turacos, it’s essential to focus on efficiency. In my mind travel-birding efficiency comprises two components, species diversity and ease of access. If your goal is to pick one country and see the most species of Turacos possible, then you should know that The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania are tied for the highest number of turaco species, with 12 each. Following closely are Uganda and Kenya with 11. Bringing up the rear with only a single species, there’s a three-way tie between Chad, Mauritania, and Somalia and none of those single birds are endemic. DRC can be challenging for a traveling birder, while countries like Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda are relatively easy, safe, and promote a nature-tourism economy. If your goal really is to see them all, you will need to make special trips for three turaco species that are endemic to specific countries:
If isolated range endemics are your thing (they definitely are mine!) then you may be heading to Cameroon, Angola, or Ethiopia. While these countries are perhaps less talked about birding destinations compared to the Eastern African wildlife meccas of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, they are no slouch for bird diversity, and particularly turaco diversity. Cameroon, with eight species of turacos is tied for the third most of any nation. Angola is fourth with seven species. And Ethiopia is in an eight-way tie for sixth place with five species.
And since you’ll probably fly into South Africa, you will have the opportunity to explore there, Lesotho, or Eswatini to find one turaco that doesn’t overlap well with some of our other main destinations, though it’s not a country-endemic, the Knysna Turaco which was recently split from the Schalow’s Turaco, can be found in the eastern part of the country in coastal and inland evergreen forests. And you may as well fish around for South Africa’s other four species while you’re there.
The Prime Turaco Countries in the East: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia
Tanzania: A Turaco Paradise
Tanzania is a birding paradise with diverse habitats ranging from coastal forests to mountain ranges. The country is a major nature tourism destination, with plenty of infrastructure to accommodate the industry. Though most people go to see the big and fuzzy animals, the bird diversity is top notch with 1069 species recorded as of the writing of this post. Turaco Species you’ll find here include:
- Great Blue Turaco
- Livingstone’s Turaco
- Schalow’s Turaco
- Black-billed Turaco
- Fischer’s Turaco
- Hartlaub’s Turaco
- Purple-crested Turaco
- Ross’s Turaco
- Bare-faced Go-away-bird
- Gray Go-away-bird
- White-bellied Go-away-bird
- Eastern Plantain-eater
These species are often found in the country’s lush forests and national parks, such as the Usambara Mountains and the Eastern Arc Mountains, which is a bonus because you’ll also get to see those big mammals that we all dreamed about when we were kids. To make the most of your trip, consider joining a multi-day Tanzania bird trip with one of the many reputable tour companies on GitBirds. Some of them are even birding and mammal combo tours. My pick is this trip – Tanzania: Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Wings Birding Tours Worldwide
Kenya: The Jewel of East Africa
Kenya is another excellent destination for turaco chasers and birders in general. This country not only offers a rich diversity of bird species (1136 at the time of this publication!) but also breathtaking landscapes and plenty of other non-bird wildlife experiences. It makes sense since Kenya and Tanzania are neighbors that their turaco roster is pretty similar. In Tanzania you would have an opportunity at only two species that do not occur in Kenya. These would be Livingstone’s Turaco and the Gray Go-away-Bird. Conversely, even though Kenya has one less species, you can find White-crested Turaco here but not Tanzania.
The Turacos of Kenya can be found in a lot of places but a couple of great spots are the Kakamega Forest and the Aberdare Mountains. Check out some upcoming tours with bird guides that are way better at finding turacos than I am. To get the most bang for your buck, I recommend this trip: East Africa Highlights: Kenya and Tanzania with Field Guides. Why not take one trip that will let you hit two of the best birding countries in Africa?
Uganda: A Birder’s Dream
Uganda, with its diverse ecosystems, is home to eleven turaco species, and again, since it is a neighboring nation, shares a lot of species in common with Tanzania and Kenya. In Uganda, though, you will have a chance at Rwenzori Turaco (Gallirex johnstoni), which is absent from the other two countries.
The country’s national parks, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, are excellent locations to spot these birds. Naturalist Journeys has a great Uganda option which has a couple of different departure dates. Check those out on their website.
Ethiopia: Eastern Endemic
Ethiopia, a country located in the Horn of Africa, offers a unique blend of cultural richness, historical depth, and ecological diversity, making it an enticing destination for birders. Known for its vast highland complex of mountains and dissected plateaus, Ethiopia’s landscape is shaped by the Great Rift Valley, which runs generally southwest to northeast. This varied terrain supports a wide range of habitats, from arid deserts and bushlands to lush tropical forests and Afro-montane regions, providing a home to over 900 bird species, of which around twenty are endemic.
Traveling and Birding in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is generally accessible, with Addis Ababa serving as a central hub for birders. The country is well connected by road and air, making it possible to reach diverse birding hotspots. However, the infrastructure can be challenging in remote areas, necessitating preparation and flexibility. Despite these challenges, the rich avian diversity makes the journey worthwhile.
Unique Turaco Species in Ethiopia
While exploring Ethiopia, birders can encounter several turaco species that are unique to the region. Here are the turaco species you might spot in Ethiopia:
- Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco
- White-cheeked Turaco
- Bare-faced Go-away-bird
- White-bellied Go-away-bird
- Eastern Plantain-eater
Highlight: Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco
The Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco inhabits juniper forests with dense evergreen undergrowth, drier forest margins, acacia-conifer woodlands, and mixed broadleaf scrub with scattered Gardenia and Ficus. It is primarily frugivorous, feeding on fruits such as figs, Juniperus procera, and Podocarpus gracilior. The bird’s vocal behavior includes a series of raucous cawing notes and high-pitched single notes.
Despite being classified as Near Threatened due to habitat degradation, recent surveys suggest that the Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco is more common and widespread than previously believed. It appears to prefer drier habitats and can tolerate human presence, which bodes well for its conservation.
Whether you are an avid birder on a quest to tick off new species or a casual observer, Ethiopia‘s remarkable avian diversity and scenic landscapes promise a rewarding experience.
For an amazing endemic-focused birding trip in Ethiopia, check out Bird Quest Tours’ trip, ETHIOPIA – The ultimate itinerary for endemics and near-endemics on the Roof of Africa
Finding Turacos in the West: Cameroon and Angola
Cameroon: Home of the Endemic Bannerman’s Turaco
Cameroon, located in western Africa, offers a vibrant mix of cultures, landscapes, and wildlife, making it a fascinating destination to explore. Known as “Africa in miniature,” Cameroon boasts diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal beaches to mountains, savannas, and rainforests. This diversity of habitats of course yields a corresponding diversity in species, and Cameroon has a mighty 888 bird species, eight of which happen to be turacos and five of those, you won’t find in the megafauna wildlife destinations of the east.
Traveling around Cameroon can be an adventure, with varying levels of infrastructure. Major cities like Douala and Yaoundé have developed facilities, while rural areas may require more preparation and flexibility. Despite potential challenges, the journey is always worth it. And who knows? You might even run into NBA superstar Joel Embiid, who hails from Yaoundé, and while that would be more exciting if he was traded to the Timberwolves, it would still be cool.
Unique Turaco Species in Cameroon
While exploring Cameroon, birders can encounter several turaco species that are not typically found in Tanzania or Kenya, including the one country-endemic turaco, the Bannerman’s Turaco. Here are the unique species you might spot in Cameroon:
- Bannerman’s Turaco
- Guinea Turaco
- Yellow-billed Turaco
- Violet Turaco
- Western Plantain-eater
These species contribute to the massive biodiversity of Cameroon, offering birders a chance to see turacos that they would not find in the more eastern regions of Africa. Whether you’re questing your way through all of Africa’s turacos, or this is your only stop, it’s a good one.
Birding Ecotours runs trips in Cameroon. You check those out here.
Angola: Home to the Endemic Red-crested Turaco
Angola, the seventh largest country in Africa, is a land of remarkable contrasts and immense natural beauty. Situated in southwestern Africa, it offers a diverse range of habitats from arid deserts to lush tropical forests, cool mountains, and vast savannas. This diversity not only supports a rich variety of wildlife but also makes Angola a haven for bird enthusiasts. Boasting over 1000 bird species, including 15 endemics, Angola is a must-visit destination for birders.
Diverse Habitats and Unique Species
Angola’s varied landscapes provide homes for a plethora of bird species. The country is rich in miombo broadleaf woodlands, lowland rainforests, montane forests, and grasslands, among others. This array of habitats supports a vast diversity of birdlife, offering birders the chance to see well over 400 species in a single birding trip of about three weeks.
Among Angola’s unique avifauna is the Angola-endemic Red-crested Turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus). In just about any wooded habitat you’ll find this bird, with its vibrant green, red, and blue plumage. It is a highlight for any birder.
The Key Turaco Species in Angola
Birders in Angola can look forward to spotting several turaco species, including:
- Red-crested Turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus)
- Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata)
- Guinea Turaco (Tauraco persa)
- Schalow’s Turaco (Tauraco schalowi)
- Yellow-billed Turaco (Tauraco macrorhynchus)
- Ross’s Turaco (Musophaga rossae)
- Gray Go-away-bird (Crinifer concolor)
Birding Adventures and Accessibility
Traveling across Angola can be an adventurous journey with its varying levels of infrastructure. Major cities like Luanda offer developed facilities, while rural areas may require more preparation and flexibility. Most visitors arrive via international flights into Luanda, with direct connections from cities like Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, and Sao Paulo. Angola can also be accessed overland from Namibia.
Natural Attractions
In addition to its birdlife, Angola offers other natural attractions such as the bizarre Welwitschia plant, the endangered Giant Black Sable antelope, the breathtaking Calandula Waterfall, and the spectacular Tundavala cliffs. These natural wonders, along with Angola’s diverse bird species, make the country a captivating destination for avid birders.
Whether you are a dedicated birder looking to add the Red-crested Turaco to your life list or an adventurer eager to explore Angola’s rich biodiversity, this country promises an unforgettable birding experience.
To find out the best time of year, and all the best birding locations, check out our Angola page. Any of the guides listed there will have tons of info. Or go with one of my favorites in Angola, Wings Birding Tours, to be guaranteed a trip you won’t forget.
Conclusion: Plan Your Turaco Adventure
Turacos are undoubtedly one of the most captivating bird families on this planet of ours. Like the trogans, parrots, and toucans, these are eye candy birds. Not just a check mark on an amazing country bird list, but memorable. You can’t go wrong with Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, or Cameroon, especially if you plan ahead or let the experts plan for you. Joining a guided birding tour with experienced companies like Wings or Rock Jumper Birding Tours can make your trip more rewarding and hassle-free.
References:
Birds of the World (2022). Edited by S. M. Billerman, B. K. Keeney, P. G. Rodewald, and T. S. Schulenberg. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/home
Fat Birder (2024). Republic of Cameroon. https://fatbirder.com/world-birding/africa/republic-of-cameroon/