Red-crested turaco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red-crested turaco |
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| Red-crested turaco, Niagara Falls Aviary, Canada | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tauraco
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| Species: |
erythrolophus
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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.
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.
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. Their diet consists of insects, fruits, nuts, leaves, flowers, seeds, acacia, and figs. They are even able to eat berries that are poisonous to humans.
Voice
A deep barking call. the female's call is slightly higher-pitched than the male's. They are highly vocal, particularly at dawn.
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.
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.
Gallery
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At San Diego Zoo, U.S.
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At Weltvogelpark Walsrode, Germany
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At Pombia Safari Park, Italy
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At Brevard Zoo, Florida
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At Zoo Leipzig, Germany.
