Prince Ruspoli's Turaco
Menelikornis ruspolii
A spectacular green turaco with a fluffy whitish crest. Shows large crimson wing patches in flight. An Ethiopian endemic that is found very locally in lush woodland and scrub, often in areas with fruiting trees. Acts like a typical turaco, bouncing through the trees and flying occasionally with short bursts of wingbeats and long glides. Calls include a hollow series of “krow” notes and a series of high-pitched, metallic calls. Similar to White-cheeked Turaco, but easily separated by its pale crest and lack of white facial markings.
Taxonomy
The species was first collected by Eugenio Ruspoli in either 1892 or 1893, but due to his subsequent death, the location and date of this find remain unknown. However, his collection was examined by T. Salvadori, who named the bird in his honor.
- Scientific name
- Menelikornis ruspolii
- Authority
- (Salvadori, 1896)
- Order
- Musophagiformes
- Family
- Musophagidae
- Genus
- Menelikornis
Range and habitat
Prince Ruspoli's Turaco, also known as Tauraco ruspolii, is primarily found in juniper (Juniperus) woodland accompanied by dense evergreen undergrowth near Arero and Wadera. However, it is believed that this elusive bird species has a preference for drier forest edges, acacia-conifer woodland, and mixed broadleaf scrub. It typically inhabits elevations ranging from 1250 to 1860 meters above sea level.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Western Crested Berrypecker
Paramythia olivacea
A medium-sized bird of upper-montane forest and shrubland. Mainly slaty-gray with olive back and yellow lower belly. Note the black face, chest and crest which it can hold up or down. Also note the striking white mark above the eye. Can be found singly, in pairs, or in small flocks, which sometimes join mixed flocks with other birds. Very similar to Eastern Crested Berrypecker, but little or no overlap in range, and separated by shorter white mark behind eye, duller olive-green back, and lack of yellow along the sides. Not very vocal, but does give various scratchy calls and a nasal “wek!”.
Olivaceous Piha
Snowornis cryptolophus
A rather dull, olive-colored bird of Andean cloud forest. It has a yellow or whitish eyering, faint streaking on the underparts, and may show some yellow on the bend of the wing. Black crown stripe is usually concealed. It is found at mid-levels inside the forest, and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Unlike other pihas, it is usually silent.
Nuthatch-Vanga
Hypositta corallirostris
Small blue vanga that acts like a creeper or small woodpecker, feeding by climbing up tree trunks. Male is all blue, while female is greenish-blue on the back; both have a coral-colored bill. Madagascar endemic that is found in eastern rainforest at low and middle elevations. Usually in pairs, which are typically part of mixed flocks of other bird species. Most common call is a high, accelerating, slurred trill. Size, color, and tree-creeping habits make it distinctive.
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