I’d like to introduce you to a rather unique individual, Ruspoli’s Turaco (Turaco Ruspolii)
These are peculiar-looking green birds with a white crest and striking orange eyeliner. Some might say they’re true fashionistas. But let’s start with their name: Ruspoli. Eugenio Ruspoli was an Italian explorer who discovered this small turaco during an expedition to Ethiopia in the 1890s. However, his travels didn’t end as he had hoped. Shortly after finding this bird, he was trampled to death by an elephant. We shouldn’t feel too sorry for him, though. Apparently, he murdered or robbed many of the indigenous people he encountered, so being trampled by an elephant was probably the best thing that could have happened to him.
Eugenio, in addition to being a thoroughly detestable person, was also terrible at taking notes. To everyone’s exasperation, he failed to record the exact location where he found the turaco, so the bird wasn’t rediscovered until the 1940s.
The Ruspoli’s turaco is a truly fascinating creature. You may recall that when we discussed green birds, I mentioned that they don’t use pigments to create their color. However, I also mentioned that there was an exception to the rule… and here it is. This turaco, and its relatives, are the only birds capable of producing a green pigment. It’s called turacoverdin and is composed of copper. Turacos obtain the copper from their fruit-rich diet. Young turacos are born with rather plain plumage, and scientists speculate that it takes them about a year to accumulate enough copper to develop their vibrant feathers.
Turacos also produce a unique red pigment called turacin, which is also copper-based. As I was saying, when it comes to fashion, these birds are among the most extravagant. Pigments, feathers… they have it all.
Read More: Meet The Speckled Mousebird
