The Great Blue Turaco: Uganda’s Colorful Feathered Jewel.
Uganda, being a fantastic destination for bird enthusiasts, will always leave one in awe of the Great Blue Turaco, Corythaeola cristata. This striking bird is one of the country’s most colorful residents and an iconic species in Uganda’s tropical forests. Whether a seasoned birder or a curious traveler, a spot of the Great Blue Turaco is an unforgettable experience.
What Makes the Great Blue Turaco Special?
With its resplendent plumage and courtly gait, the Great Blue Turaco rises above all the rest of the 1,060 bird species of Uganda. Measuring in length up to 76 centimeters long, it is among the largest turacos in the world. Brilliant plumage, partly blue, green, and yellow added to an amazing crest on the head presents a colorful spectacle to a keen bird watcher.
However, they are much more than just congenial-looking creatures. The Great Blue Turaco has a slow, gliding flight, and these birds are often seen hopping from tree to tree in the forest canopy, their long tail feathers trailing like a dancer’s ribbons.
Where to Spot the Great Blue Turaco in Uganda.
In Uganda, there are so many possibilities of encountering this wonderful bird species, the Great Blue Turaco, in the following top birding spots:
Kibale National Park.
Though known primarily because of the population of primates, Kibale is a birdwatcher’s paradise too, with over 375 species recorded. The rainforest canopy here is quite suitable for the Great Blue Turaco, most times seen gliding between the trees or perched along the forest edges. Nature walks at Kibale offer very good opportunities to observe this and many other birds amidst great biodiversity.
Mabira Forest Reserve.
This dense tropical forest lies between Kampala and Jinja; hence, it is a suitable stopover for birders. The Great Blue Turaco is resident in this green haven with ample chances of viewing these birds wild while hiking along the forest trails.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
It is located near Kibale Forest and is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Rich in birdlife, the sanctuary usually has the Great Blue Turaco sighted in the trees. It is a community-run project that has an immersive nature walk to offer for visitors, giving them a great chance to see these colorful birds up close.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Though most famous for gorilla trekking, Bwindi also boasts rich birdlife with the most wanted in this area-the Great Blue Turaco. Trekking can afford one a glimpse of them flying across the canopies or perching high up on branches.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Lying just outside Kampala, these tranquil gardens are a quick hop into the countryside to see the Great Blue Turaco-a very popular haunt for birders, thus offering the perfect setting for relaxing on a Sunday afternoon and taking in the occasional view of Ugandan birdlife.
These places are some of the best to take in the beauty of the Great Blue Turaco in Uganda-a must-see for any bird lover.
Behavior and Feeding Habits.
The diet of the Great Blue Turaco comprises a wide array of fruits, leaves, flowers, and small invertebrates. They represent important ecological actors in those forests because of their services as seed dispersers. This is mainly for figs, and they often feed in the same fig trees as other birds.
These social birds usually occur in small groups, typically between three to seven. Their distinctive series of croaks and hoots raise their detectability even before they are sighted. Their mystique is further enhanced by a deep, croaky call that echoes through the forest and is as distinctive as their colorful appearance.
Cultural Significance.
This bird in Ugandan culture means more than just a bird. It has symbolic significance among different communities. To some Ugandan tribes, these birds signify good luck, and their feathers have been used in several traditional ceremonies and adornments.
Aside from the great beauty, they have become Uganda’s natural richness ambassador, helping the country to get recognition as one of the best birding destinations on the African continent.
Conservation Status.
Although the IUCN Red List classifies this turaco as a species of “Least Concern,” habitat destruction threatens it as people clear forests for valuable timber and expand agricultural lands. As such, this Protected Area network, including the network of Uganda’s national parks and reserves, enables the conservation of habitats for such birds for future generations to marvel at their majesty.
There is more to nature conservation than protected areas, however. Ecotourism through activities such as birdwatching safaris goes the extra mile in raising awareness and creating resources for conservation. Travelers visiting Uganda’s national parks and birding sites make direct contributions toward the protection of species such as the Great Blue Turaco.
Best Time to See the Great Blue Turaco.
Uganda is an all-year-round destination for birding, although the dry seasons-December to February and June to August-offer the best times. During these months, the trails are easier, and consequently, birds will be much easier to see since there will be less foliage.
However, this being a resident species may be seen at any time of the year, hence giving some degree of certainty to the tourists.
Witnessing the Great Blue Turaco with Arcadia Safaris.
For those interested in adding the Great Blue Turaco to their birding life list, Arcadia Safaris offers various guided birding tours through Uganda’s premium birding spots. Our experienced bird guides will take you through Uganda’s varied habitats and maximize your chance of seeing this birding jewel.
Be it the magical Mabira Forest or the mystic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Arcadia Safaris ensures that you have a birding experience both captive and memorable.
Below are some of our Remarkable Birding Tours that we offer; Kindly browse through and make your inquiries and bookings today for an unforgettable birding experience.
21 Days Birding Uganda and Gorilla Trekking Safari
18 Days Birding Tour with Gorilla Trekking
10 Day Birding Uganda and Game Drives
3 Day Mabamba Shoebill Birding Safari
Remarks on Great Blue Turaco in Uganda.
Turaco is not just a bird; rather, it is a sign of biodiversity and natural beauty in Uganda. Whether you are an avid birder or just a traveler who loves nature, spotting one of these majestic creatures in the wild is something that remains etched in memory forever.
So pack the binoculars, lace up the boots, and into Uganda’s forests go-because the Great Blue Turaco waits there, ready to share a colored world with you!
