The red-crested turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus) is a brightly colored African bird endemic to western Angola. It belongs to a family of birds known for loud calls and vivid plumage, and, true to its name, it sports a red crest atop its head. It has a green body, a white face, and a yellow bill.

This species is mostly a fruit-eater living high in the canopy (what scientists call frugivorous), and it is known for a loud, throaty call that sounds somewhat like a jungle monkey’s chatter. The red-crested turaco is a medium-sized bird: an adult measures around 45-50 cm long (about 18-20 inches) and weighs about 210-325 g (roughly 7-11 ounces). Males and females sport the same vivid “mohawk” crest and appear alike, with the same colors and markings and no significant difference between the sexes.​

The turaco’s colors come from actual pigments in the feathers, not just light reflections like in many birds. The red shade (called turacin) and green shade (turacoverdin) are copper-based pigments found in no other birds. If you were to stir one of its red feathers in water, the water could turn pink from the pigment bleeding out, which is an old demonstration of how concentrated the color is. These unique pigments give the bird a luminous red and green appearance that truly sets it apart from other species.​

Red-crested turacos are social birds that often travel in pairs or in small flocks of up to 30 individuals. Even with this social lifestyle, they tend to be quite shy. They spend most of their time tucked away in the upper canopy of tall trees and only come down briefly, usually to grab food, drink water, or take a quick bath.

They are not strong flyers over long distances, but they navigate branches with ease. Rather than soaring, they prefer to hop, glide, and scramble through the foliage. You might see them run along a limb, climb through dense leaves, then flap briefly to reach the next tree. These short, agile bursts of movement are a good fit for a life spent mostly off the ground.

Fruit makes up most of their diet. Red-crested turacos forage for all kinds of fruits and berries in the canopy. Wild figs, bananas, and other ripe fruits are favorites. They also nibble on flower buds, young leaves, and seeds. Occasionally, especially during breeding season when they need extra nutrition, they will snack on insects like termites or even eat a large snail if one crosses their path.

These birds are very vocal, especially early in the morning. Their call is not musical but rather deep and barking. Some say it sounds like a dog, while others think it resembles a monkey’s laugh. A repeated “kow kow kow” echoing from the treetops usually means a turaco is nearby, even if you cannot spot it.

Females have a slightly higher-pitched call than males, but both sound similar. When a whole group starts calling at once, the noise can really carry. These loud sounds help turacos stay in touch through the thick forest and might also serve as a warning to potential intruders. It is not the prettiest song in the forest, but it definitely stands out.

The red-crested turaco is native to the woodlands of Angola in southwestern Africa and isn’t found naturally anywhere else. Within Angola, it mainly occupies the western and central regions, favoring environments with dense tree cover. It lives in tropical forests, lush woodlands, and thick undergrowth, thriving especially in the canopies of humid subtropical forests.

You can also spot them along gallery forests, which are wooded areas that follow rivers, and at the edges of savannas where clusters of trees and bushes offer shelter. As long as there are fruiting trees, these birds are surprisingly adaptable. They are especially common in suitable habitats along Angola’s escarpment, a stretch of wooded highlands in the west, and in nearby forested zones. Wherever tall evergreens produce plenty of fruit, you’re likely to find a turaco or two.

Red-crested turacos lead devoted family lives. They form monogamous pairs, meaning a male and female will pair up and often stay together for life. During breeding season, the pair searches for a quiet, hidden spot high in the foliage, usually between 5 and 20 meters above the ground (about 16 to 65 feet), to build their nest. The nest itself is a shallow, loosely woven platform made of twigs and leaves.

The female typically lays a clutch of two to three eggs. Both parents take turns incubating them, keeping the eggs warm and protected for about 21 to 24 days until they hatch. This teamwork ensures near-constant care during that critical period.

When the chicks hatch, they are tiny, covered in thick downy feathers, and completely dependent on their parents. Both mother and father immediately begin feeding them by regurgitating soft, half-digested fruit and other food. This mouth-to-mouth method delivers a nutritious pulp that helps the chicks grow quickly.

By the time they are four to five weeks old, the young birds begin exploring. Even before they can fly properly, they clamber around nearby branches in a somewhat clumsy but charming fashion. Around one month of age, they usually take their first real flight. Although they fledge at about four weeks, they continue to stay close to their parents for several more weeks, learning how to find food and navigate the treetops.

In some cases, other members of the flock, such as older siblings or unrelated turacos living with the pair, may help feed and guard the chicks. This cooperative behavior gives the young birds a stronger start in life. By working together as a family, red-crested turacos give their offspring the support they need to thrive.