Fischer’s turaco
Scientific name: Tauraco fischeri
IUCN listed as: Near Threatened
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
Child-friendly
Everyday
Diet
Fischer’s Turaco primarily feeds on fruits, which make up the bulk of their diet. They are particularly fond of figs, which provide essential nutrients and hydration. Additionally, they consume flowers, leaves, and some invertebrates, which supplement their diet. This varied diet helps them maintain their vibrant plumage and overall health. In captivity, their diet is often enriched with a variety of fruits and specially formulated bird food to ensure balanced nutrition.
Fischer’s Turacos love eating fruits, especially figs. They also eat flowers, leaves, and small insects. This mix of food helps them stay healthy and colourful. In zoos, they get lots of different fruits to eat.
Breeding
Fischer’s Turacos breed during the rainy season when food is abundant. The female lays 2-3 eggs in a nest made of twigs and leaves, typically located in dense foliage. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs for about 20-22 days. Once hatched, the chicks are fed by both parents and fledge after approximately 4 weeks. Successful breeding is closely tied to the availability of suitable nesting sites and abundant food.
These birds have babies during the rainy season. The mother lays 2-3 eggs in a nest made of twigs. Both parents take care of the eggs and the chicks. The chicks leave the nest after about a month.
Habitat
Fischer’s Turacos inhabit forested areas, particularly montane and coastal forests in East Africa. They prefer regions with dense tree cover which provides food and protection from predators. Habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion poses significant threats to their populations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring these critical habitats to ensure their survival. The species is also found in protected areas, which helps safeguard their populations.
Fischer’s Turacos live in forests in East Africa. They like places with lots of trees for food and safety. Cutting down trees is a big problem for them. Protecting their homes is very important.
At the zoo
In zoos, Fischer’s Turacos are kept in aviaries that replicate their natural forest habitats, complete with dense vegetation and plenty of perching areas. Zoos play a crucial role in their conservation through breeding programs and educational displays that raise public awareness about the species. These birds are provided with a diet similar to their natural one, including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Research conducted in zoos helps improve our understanding of their behaviour and needs, contributing to conservation efforts.
In zoos, Fischer’s Turacos live in areas that look like forests. Zoos help protect them by breeding them and teaching people about them. They get plenty of fruits to eat and places to perch. Zoos also study them to learn more about their needs.
Behaviour
Fischer’s Turacos are social birds, often seen in small family groups or pairs. They are known for their distinctive calls, which they use to communicate with each other. These birds are highly agile and can move quickly through the forest canopy, using their strong legs and feet to climb and hop between branches. Their vibrant plumage helps them blend into the foliage, providing camouflage from predators. Understanding their social structure and behaviour is essential for their conservation.
These birds are social and often seen in small groups. They have loud calls to talk to each other. They are good at moving through trees and hiding from predators. Their bright colours help them blend in with the leaves.
Fun facts
- Bright Plumage: Fischer’s Turacos have vibrant green and blue feathers.
- Unique Call: Their calls are loud and can be heard from far away.
- Strong Legs: They have strong legs that help them climb trees easily.
- Frugivores: They mostly eat fruits, especially figs.
- Social Birds: They live in small family groups and are very social.
- Colourful Feathers: These birds have bright green and blue feathers.
- Loud Voices: They make loud calls to talk to each other.
- Tree Climbers: Their strong legs help them climb trees.
- Fruit Lovers: They love eating fruits, especially figs.
- Friendly Birds: They like being in small groups and are very social.
More animals to discover at our zoo
Quick Links
Tickets & Prices
You can buy tickets for Exmoor Zoo securely online, as well as finding out more price options, discover offers, and more…
What’s on…
Exmoor Zoo hosts incredible Events all through the year. You can find out about what we’ve got in store here…
Routes & info
Like any great discovery, Exmoor Zoo can feel a little off the beaten path – but don’t worry – you can plan your journey with our recommended routes and other useful travel info.
