2 Prince Ruspoli's Turacos on an olive tree

Eugenio Ruspoli was an Italian explorer who in 1892/93 first discovered this bird whilst on his 2nd expedition to Africa. Later in the expedition in 1893 he was trampled to death in the Somalia by an elephant. He had not, according to records treated the Ethiopian native peoples well so his passing was not mourned by them. His personal belongings and accompaniments were sent back home to Italy and in 1896 an ornithologist, Tommaso Salvadori, named this Turaco after him. However as the Prince had made no notes about where or when he’d shot the bird it was not until the 1940’s that another bird was seen, to the north of Yabello.
Another 30 years passed until the heart of the Turaco’s range was discovered to be by the Genale River. Today there are 4 relatively small areas where the Turaco may be found, 3 of them were out of bounds to us with the rise of the Oromo Liberation Army and the Oromo Liberation Front but fortunately we had a great guide. To date not a lot is known about the birds' nesting or breeding. Still secretive! Magic! This Turaco according to what I've read (+ close relatives) is the only bird that can create green pigment for its feathers. This is called Turacoverdin and is synthesised from the bird's copper rich diet of fruits. The young are fairly plain. Additionally the Turaco can also make a red pigment Turacin as seen on its wing feathers below. Fabulous bird!!