Red-Crested Turaco [Tauraco Erythrolophus]

Описание: In this video, we learn about the red-crested turaco.

QUICK FACTS
• Lifespan: 5 – 9 years
• Size: 1.9 – 3.5 in
• Weight: 7.4 – 11.4 oz
• Family: Musophagidae


Description
The red-crested turaco is an attractive species of the turaco family. Its elegant plumage is mostly green with a blue-green sheen on the back and a red crest for which it is named.

Its long tail is metallic blue-green above. It has a bright yellow bill and a white face. The edge of the crest is tipped white in some birds. Males and females are alike.

Vocalizations: Call and song
Red-crested turacos are highly vocal, especially at dawn. The call is a deep barking that sounds similar to that of a jungle monkey. The distinctive song starts with a high-pitched whooping, followed by a cacophony of croaking notes.

Distribution and range
The red-crested turaco is endemic to western Angola, where they are found along the escarpment. It is the national bird of Angola.

Habitat
They inhabit tropical forests, gallery forests, forest edges, savannah, and woodlands.

Diet and feeding habits
Their diet comprises mainly plant foods, such as fruits, berries, seeds, and leaves. They supplement their diet with insects, snails, and other invertebrates.

Nesting and breeding
Red-crested turacos are monogamous. The flimsy platform nest is made of sticks and twigs and placed in a shrub or tree. Typically, two eggs are laid, and the incubation period lasts 24 days.

The nestlings are covered with thick down. They are active within a couple of weeks and fledge at 5 weeks. However, they are still cared for by the parents for a few months more.

Behavior
Red-crested turacos are arboreal birds, spending most of their time in trees. They occur in pairs or flocks of up to 30 birds.

Status and conservation
Red-crested turacos are common within their native range. However, overall populations are decreasing, possibly due to habitat destruction and trapping for the pet trade.

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