Factfile
Where they live
western sub-Saharan Africa Habitat: forests and grassland
Habitat
forests and grassland
Size
43 -50cm in height
Weight
320-450g
Lifespan
5-10 years
Threats
The Angolan civil war 1975-2002 resulted in widespread habitat destruction which continues at a lesser rate today. Birds are also trapped fro the aviary trade.
Did you know...
- Turacos have unique copper pigments in their feathers which produce their vivid red-green colouring
- When alarmed by danger turacos often lift their wings to expose a flash of bright red colour underneath. This so-called flash colouration startles potential predators
More about red-crested turacos...
These highly colourful birds are natives of the West African forests and grassland. The bright colours are created by two pigments, both containing copper, and found only in turacos. Turacin is the pigment which gives the red colour and turacoverdin gives them their green colour.
Turacos spend most of their time in the forest canopy where they can be found in groups of up to 30 individuals. They are omnivorous feeding on a range of foods, from fruit, nuts seeds and berries to invertebrates.
Turacos form monogamous breeding pairs (they mate for life). During courtship the male can be observed feeding the female. Nest building is undertaken by both sexes, as is incubation and care of their chicks. Other members of the larger group may also feed the chicks.
