Plumage: Males are bright yellow with an orange face and chest, while females are duller with olive-yellow plumage.
Beak: Conical and black in males, lighter in females.
Eyes: Dark brown.
Legs and Feet: Light brown to pinkish.
Known Range
Geographic Range: Eastern Africa, particularly found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia.
Habitat: Prefers palm savannas, grasslands with scattered trees, and areas near water bodies. Often found near human settlements and gardens.
Habitat
Acanthurus olivaceus typically inhabits reef flats, lagoons, and outer reef slopes. They are found at depths ranging from 1 to 50 meters but are most commonly observed at depths of 5 to 25 meters. They prefer areas with abundant algae growth, which is their primary food source.
Diet
Primary Diet: Seeds and grains.
Occasional Diet: Insects, especially during the breeding season for additional protein.
Feeding Behavior: Forages in flocks, often seen hopping on the ground or clinging to grass stems.
Breeding
Breeding Season: Varies regionally but generally coincides with the rainy season.
Nest: Woven spherical nests made from palm leaves and grass, usually suspended from the underside of palm fronds.
Clutch Size: Typically 2-4 eggs.
Incubation Period: Around 12-14 days.
Parental Care: Both parents participate in feeding the chicks.
Lifecycle
Lifespan: Typically around 5-10 years in the wild.
Juvenile Stage: Young birds fledge around 18-21 days after hatching but remain dependent on parents for several weeks.
Adult Stage: Reach sexual maturity at about one year of age.
Behavior: Social and often found in flocks. Exhibits complex weaving behavior during nest construction.
