Fischer's turaco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fischer's turaco |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tauraco
|
| Species: |
fischeri
|
 |
|
| Distribution of the Fischer's turaco | |
The Fischer's turaco (Tauraco fischeri) is a beautiful bird. It belongs to the Musophagidae family. You can find these birds in East Africa. They live in countries like Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania.
Their natural habitats include moist lowland forests. They also live in moist montane forests. Sometimes, they are found in arable land, which is land used for growing crops. Sadly, their homes are disappearing. This is due to habitat loss. They are also caught for the wildlife trade.
Contents
What's in a Name?
This bird is named after a German explorer. His name was Gustav Fischer. The bird's scientific name, Tauraco fischeri, also honors him. Some people also call this bird the East African red-crested lourie.
What Does It Look Like?
Fischer's turacos are medium-sized birds. They are about 16 inches (40 cm) long. Males usually weigh between 8.11 and 9.49 ounces (230-269 grams). Females are a bit heavier, weighing 8.01 to 9.98 ounces (227-283 grams).
These birds have bright green bodies. They have a reddish crest on their heads. This crest has white tips. Their bellies are black. Their primary wing feathers are red. Their wings are a pretty green-blue color. They also have a dark blue-green tail.
Around their eyes, they have red skin. A white line borders this red skin in front. This line goes all the way to their bright red beak. Below their eyes, there's a small black patch. This patch is also bordered by a white line. This line extends below their ear feathers. These white eye stripes and red eye skin help tell them apart. They look similar to the Red-crested turaco.
What Does It Sound Like?
The song of the Fischer's turaco is quite unique. It sounds like a series of loud growls. The notes start slowly and then rise. They continue as a series of up to 12 identical notes.
Where Do They Live?
Fischer's turacos live in coastal and riverine forests. They are found in East Africa. This includes Kenya, northeastern Tanzania, and southern Somalia. These birds prefer thick forest areas. They especially like the tops of mature fruit trees.
They are common in their limited range. However, they are often heard more than seen. This is because they usually travel alone or in pairs. This makes them hard to spot in the dense trees.
What Do They Eat?
This bird's main food is fruit. They especially love figs and berries. But they also eat other things. This includes flower buds and young leaf shoots. Sometimes, they even eat insects!
Protecting the Fischer's Turaco
The number of Fischer's turacos is going down. Experts believe there are only about 1,500 to 7,000 adult birds left. This species is protected by an international agreement. It's called the United Nations' Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This agreement helps control the trade of endangered animals.
In Somalia, a special rule was made in 2019. It stopped all commercial trade of these birds. This helps protect them from being caught and sold.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
When a male and female Fischer's turaco bond, they build a nest. Their nest is a loose platform made of sticks. They usually build it high up in the tree canopy. Both the male and female help build the nest. They also take turns sitting on the eggs.
A female usually lays two white eggs. The eggs hatch after about 22 to 23 days. Baby turacos, called chicks, leave the nest when they are 4 to 5 weeks old. However, they can't fly well until they are about 6 weeks old.
