The great blue turaco is Africa’s largest turaco and one of the most spectacular birds you can see in Uganda. At up to 75 centimetres in length and 1 kilogram in weight, it is a substantial bird, and its plumage is extraordinary — deep turquoise-blue upperparts, yellow-green breast, red belly, and a tall blue crest tipped with black. When you first see a great blue turaco in Bwindi or along the Albertine Rift forest edge, it is genuinely breathtaking.
Unlike smaller turacos which can be frustratingly elusive as they creep through forest canopy, the great blue turaco is relatively conspicuous — partly because of its size and partly because it often sits in prominent positions in large trees. In 2027 this is one of the most sought-after bird sightings for visitors to Uganda’s forest areas.
Identification and Plumage
The great blue turaco’s plumage uses the unique turaco pigments — turacin (red) and turacoverdin (green) — which are copper-based and unlike the structural colours of most birds. The upperparts, wings, and long tail are deep turquoise to blue-green. The breast and belly transition from yellow-green to rich red. The tall crest is blue with a black tip. The bill is thick and yellow with a red tip.
In flight the turquoise and red underwings are spectacular — a flash of colour in the forest canopy. The large size and distinctive shape — long tail, thick neck, prominent crest — make the great blue turaco identifiable at considerable distance even without seeing the full plumage details.
Where to See Great Blue Turaco in Uganda
The great blue turaco is found in forest and forest edge habitats throughout western Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the best locations, particularly around the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors where forest edges and fruiting trees concentrate the birds. Kibale National Park and the forests of the Rwenzori foothills also hold good numbers.
The species favours large trees in primary and mature secondary forest. It is often seen moving along forest edges and into fruiting trees near clearings. Early morning visits to forest edges when the birds are active and moving give the best sighting opportunities. The calls — a deep, resonant “koww-koww-koww” — help locate birds in the forest.
Diet and Forest Ecology
The great blue turaco feeds primarily on fruit, leaves, flowers, and buds. It is particularly fond of figs and other forest fruits and plays an important role in seed dispersal through the forest. Unlike many frugivores, turacos also consume considerable quantities of leaves — their digestive system is adapted to process plant material that other birds cannot digest.
The species moves through the forest in search of fruiting trees, often in small groups of two to six birds. Its large size means it can access larger fruits than smaller turaco species. The great blue turaco is a keystone species in Albertine Rift forests — its seed-dispersal activities help maintain forest structure and diversity.
Social Behaviour and Calls
Great blue turacos are social birds, moving in family groups and gathering in numbers at fruiting trees. They communicate with a repertoire of loud calls including deep booming notes and rapid cackling. When disturbed they run rapidly along branches and through the canopy rather than flying, using their strong feet to grip and their long tail for balance.
The deep calling of a group of great blue turacos echoing through Bwindi’s forest is one of the unforgettable sounds of a Uganda safari. Even before you see the birds, the calls build anticipation. When a group finally emerges from the canopy into clear view, the experience rarely disappoints.
Breeding
Great blue turacos nest in trees, building a flat platform of sticks and plant material in the forest canopy. Two eggs are incubated by both parents for about 21 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge at about 4 weeks. Family groups may remain together for an extended period after breeding. The breeding season in Uganda is linked to fruit availability in the rainy seasons.
Photography Tips
The great blue turaco is one of the most photogenic birds in Africa. The challenge is the dark forest setting — the birds are often encountered in dappled shade or backlit against the sky. Use exposure compensation to expose for the bird rather than the bright background. Early morning at forest edges when birds move into open positions gives the best opportunities with good light.
A 300 to 500mm lens is appropriate — the birds are large enough that you do not always need extreme telephoto reach. Look for birds perched in dead trees or at the very tips of branches at forest edges. The crest is most prominent when the bird is alert and looking around — wait for this posture for the most striking portraits.
See the Great Blue Turaco on Your 2027 Gorilla Trek
The gorilla trekking permit costs $800 in 2027. Great blue turacos are found in the same forests as mountain gorillas in Bwindi and are regularly seen on the forest paths used for gorilla trekking. Adding a dedicated birdwatching day or two at Bwindi maximises your chances of extended views and photography opportunities with this spectacular species.
Contact us to plan your 2027 Uganda safari combining gorilla trekking with specialist birdwatching targeting the great blue turaco and other Albertine Rift forest specials. Uganda’s forests offer some of the finest birding experiences in Africa.
