Red-crested Turaco

The Red-crested Turaco - Tauraco erythrolophus – is endemic to western Angola.

Description

Adult has green plumage overall. On the upperparts, back and wings are darker bluish-green. Upper back and scapulars are metallic golden-green. Primaries and outer secondaries are crimson and brown-tipped.  Rump is blackish with glossy green reflection. Uppertail coverts and rectrices are glossy blue-green. The underparts, belly and undertail coverts are greenish-black. Breast and neck are pale yellow-green. The head, lores, cheeks and chin are white. The crown is red ending into a point on the greenish-yellow nape. The top of the crown, some red crest feathers are tipped-white.
The small bill is yellow. Nostrils are feathered white. Eyes are brown, with red eyelids. Legs and feet are blackish. The sexes are similar.

Call

They utter deep barking calls which sound somewhat like a jungle monkey. They are highly vocal, at dawn and dusk.

Food

Fruit, flowers, leaves, termites, seeds, figs, and snails.

Breeding

Male and female build a flat nest with sticks and twigs. The female lays 2 to 3 eggs which are incubated by both parents for between 21 to 24 days. They remain dependent on parents for some weeks.

Conservation Status – Least concern

The total population size has not been quantified, but the species is reported to be locally common. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction.

Birdwatching

Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventuresto create a custom tour for you to see these striking birds.