ExploreBirds

Red-crested Turaco

Tauraco erythrolophus

The Red-crested Turaco is a colorful bird with a bright red crest on its head. It loves to hop around in trees and can be found in the forests of Africa, making it a fun bird to spot!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Red-crested Turaco has a brilliant scarlet crest atop its head, contrasting with a vibrant emerald-green body. A distinct white crescent surrounds its eye, making its bright red beak stand out. Its large, striking red crest makes it visually different from most other forest birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderMusophagiformesFamilyMusophagidaeGenusTauraco
Red-crested Turaco
crested trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badgearboreal trait badge
Red-crested Turaco

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It makes a loud, crow-like call that sounds like 'kwa-kwa-kwa', echoing through the forest!

Its amazing red and green feathers get their colors from special copper absorbed from its diet!

This bird has special feet that let it run along branches and even hang upside down!

Turacos are the only birds known to have true red and green pigments in their feathers!

Special abilities

Ability

Color Magic

Red-crested Turaco has unique copper-based pigments (turacin and turacoverdin) that give its feathers their vivid red and green colors.

Ability

Acrobat Climber

Red-crested Turaco can reverse its outer toes, allowing it to grip branches tightly and climb expertly through the forest canopy.

Ability

Washable Feathers

Red-crested Turaco has a rare water-soluble red pigment, turacin, meaning its red feathers can actually 'wash out' if the bird is unwell.

Measurements & details

Length
46-51 cm
Wingspan
70-75 cm
Weight
0.21-0.32 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
2
Incubation
21-23 days

Diet & Feeding

This colorful bird loves to munch on juicy fruits and berries from the forest.

Primary Foods

  • wild fruits
  • berries
  • flowers
  • young leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Crowned Eagle

Stephanoaetus coronatus

Juveniles are occasionally preyed upon.

eats

Sycamore Fig

Ficus sycomorus

Consumes figs, an important food source.

eats

African Ebony

Diospyros mespiliformis

Feeds on its fruits.

symbiotic with

Sycamore Fig

Ficus sycomorus

Disperses seeds, aiding plant reproduction.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance to keep them safe and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Red-crested Turaco?

46-51 cm

What is Red-crested Turaco's wingspan?

70-75 cm

How much does Red-crested Turaco weigh?

0.21-0.32 kg

How long does Red-crested Turaco live?

10-15 years

How fast can Red-crested Turaco move?

35 km/h

What does Red-crested Turaco eat?

This colorful bird loves to munch on juicy fruits and berries from the forest.

Where is Red-crested Turaco usually found?

Forests

How does Red-crested Turaco hunt?

Foraging

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