Ross’s turaco is one of the most strikingly beautiful birds in Uganda’s forests. The combination of deep violet-purple plumage, bright crimson wings visible in flight, a yellow bill, and a prominent yellow facial shield and crest makes this species genuinely extraordinary. Named after Sir James Clark Ross, the Victorian explorer, it is a bird that stops people in their tracks when first encountered in the forests of western Uganda.
Unlike the great blue turaco which is relatively conspicuous, Ross’s turaco tends to move through the forest canopy in a more secretive manner, creeping between branches and disappearing into dense foliage. But its calls — loud, deep, and resonant — betray its presence. In 2027 this is one of the must-see birds for visiting birders in Uganda’s forest areas.
Identification
Ross’s turaco is a medium to large turaco reaching about 50 centimetres. The plumage is deep violet-purple throughout, with a green gloss on the back and wings. The undertail coverts are deep blue. In flight the crimson primary feathers create a spectacular red wing flash — this is from the turacin pigment unique to turacos. The bill, bare facial shield, and orbital ring are bright yellow. The crest is white-tipped.
The combination of purple body and yellow face is unmistakable. From a distance or in poor light the bird may look dark, but in good light the purple plumage glows with a rich iridescent sheen. Juveniles have a duller bill and less prominent facial shield. The calls — a series of deep “kok-kok-kok” notes followed by higher squealing — carry well through forest.
Distribution and Habitat in Uganda
Ross’s turaco is an Albertine Rift endemic, found in a relatively restricted range of montane and lowland forest in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and western Kenya. In Uganda it is found primarily in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, and the forests of the Albertine Rift western escarpment.
The species prefers primary forest and mature secondary forest with tall trees and a dense canopy. It occurs from lowland to montane forest and is one of the common turaco species in Bwindi. Fruiting trees attract gatherings of birds and are the best places to wait and watch for extended views. The forest margins around Buhoma and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi are particularly productive.
Behaviour and Diet
Ross’s turaco feeds primarily on fruit, supplemented by leaves, flowers, and invertebrates. Like all turacos it is well adapted to process plant material. The species follows fruiting tree cycles through the forest, gathering in numbers when suitable food is available. It moves rapidly through the canopy, running along branches with its tail raised and making agile leaps between trees.
Social groups of four to twelve birds are typical. The birds call frequently while moving and at fruiting trees the combination of calls from multiple individuals creates an impressive cacophony. They are most active in the morning and late afternoon, resting in shaded forest during the heat of the midday period.
Finding Ross’s Turaco in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the best place in Uganda to see Ross’s turaco. The forest around all four sectors holds the species, but the edges where forest meets cleared land tend to produce the most accessible sightings. A specialist bird guide is invaluable — experienced Bwindi guides know where fruiting trees are located and can often call birds in by mimicking the vocalisations.
Early morning walks along the forest trails starting before 7am give the best opportunities when birds are most active. Listen for the characteristic calls and follow the sound — the birds often perch in exposed positions when calling. Once a group is located, patience pays off as they move through the canopy.
Photography Tips
Ross’s turaco is a challenging but hugely rewarding photographic subject. The deep purple plumage requires careful exposure — overexposure loses all detail in the feathers. Slightly underexpose compared to the meter reading to bring out the rich colour and iridescence. The yellow facial shield and bill provide a bright focal point in the frame.
The red wing flash in flight is one of the great wildlife photography targets — it requires anticipation, a fast shutter speed, and often repeated attempts. Position yourself where you can see birds flying between trees. A 400 to 500mm lens gives adequate working distance while filling the frame sufficiently with a bird of this size.
Plan Your 2027 Gorilla Trek and Birding Safari
The gorilla trekking permit costs $800 in 2027. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the best place to combine mountain gorilla trekking with seeing Albertine Rift endemic birds like Ross’s turaco. Adding one or two days of dedicated birdwatching with a specialist guide transforms your gorilla trip into one of Africa’s finest wildlife experiences.
Contact us to plan your 2027 Uganda safari. We can arrange specialist birding guides for Bwindi who will maximise your chances of seeing Ross’s turaco and the other 350-plus species recorded in this extraordinary forest.
