The Red-crested turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus) is an African frugivorous bird. It is a member of the family Musophagidae also known as "banana-eaters"). Turacos are noted for peculiar and unique pigments giving them their bright green and red feathers.
The Red-crested turaco looks similar to the Bannerman's turaco but differs in crest and face colors. The male and the female of Red-crested turacos are similar in appearance.
Red-crested turacos can be found only in western Angola where they inhabit tropical wet forests.
Red-crested turacos are social and spend time in pairs or flocks of up to 30 birds. They are shy, usually hiding in trees and coming down only to eat or drink. Red-crested turacos are poor fliers but move with ease among tree branches, often with short hops. They are highly vocal, particularly at dawn. The common call of these birds is a deep barking call and the female's call is slightly higher-pitched than the male's.
Red-crested turacos are herbivores (frugivores, folivores, granivores). They mainly eat fruits, figs, berries, leaves, and seeds, and can also supplement their diet with termites and large snails.
Red-crested turacos are monogamous; they form stable pairs and nest solitarily. Both partners build a flimsy nest 5-20 meters (16-65 ft) above the ground in dense foliage. After laying eggs, both parents incubate the eggs. Chicks are covered in thick down when they hatch. They start to fly at about 4-5 weeks of age but usually remain dependent on their parents for a few weeks more.
Red-crested turacos are threatened by habitat loss and are preyed upon by many forest predators.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Red-crested turaco is locally common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.
Red-tailed turacos are important seed dispersers and help regenerate forests in the ecosystem they live in.
