Red-crested turaco
The red-crested turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus) is a turaco, a group of African otidimorph birds. It is a frugivorous bird endemic to western Angola. Its call sounds somewhat like a jungle monkey.
| Red-crested turaco | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Red-crested turaco, Niagara Falls Aviary, Canada | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Musophagiformes |
| Family: | Musophagidae |
| Genus: | Tauraco |
| Species: | T. erythrolophus |
| Binomial name | |
| Tauraco erythrolophus (Vieillot, 1819) | |
Description
The red-crested turaco weighs 210-325 g and is 45-50 cm long. It looks similar to the Bannerman's turaco, but differs in crest and face colors. Both sexes are similar.[2]
Behaviour
They are seen in flocks of up to 30 birds, or in pairs. They usually remain in trees, only coming down to eat or drink.[2]
Voice
A deep barking call. the female's call is slightly higher-pitched than the male's. They are highly vocal, particularly at dawn.[2]
Reproduction
Red-crested turacos are monogamous. Both mates build a flimsy nest 5 to 20 meters above the ground in dense foliage. After laying eggs, both birds incubate the eggs. The young leave the nest at 4-5 weeks old.[2]
As a national bird
The red-crested turaco is the national bird of Angola. It occurs quite commonly along the length of the Angolan escarpment and adjacent forested habitats.[3]
Gallery
At San Diego Zoo, U.S.
At Weltvogelpark Walsrode, Germany
At Pombia Safari Park, Italy
At Brevard Zoo, Florida
At Zoo Leipzig, Germany.
References
- BirdLife International (2016). "Tauraco erythrolophus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22688346A93193784. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22688346A93193784.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- "Red-crested Turaco". www.oiseaux-birds.com. Retrieved 2018-04-20.
- "Birds Angola - National Bird". www.birdsangola.org. Retrieved 2017-07-11.
