The purple-crested turaco (Tauraco porphyreolophus) is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae.
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The purple-crested turaco (Tauraco porphyreolophus) is a
species of bird in the family Musophagidae. It clambers acrobatically through
riverine woodland and savanna thickets. In flight it explodes from the canopy
with distinctive deep red panels in the wings. It produces a distinctive
croaking “khoh-khoh-khoh-khoh….” that gets progressively louder before suddenly
stopping.
The Purple-crested Turaco is a fruit-eater. Its glossy and
colourful plumage makes this bird very attractive for humans. Turacos have been
hunted in the past for their beautiful red flight feathers used as adornments by
African people. Today, this species has adapted to suburban life, especially in
Durban.
The Purple-crested Turaco is frugivorous and feeds on fruits
from numerous plant species. It forages in canopy, picking the fruits by
perching at the end of the branches. This bird does not feed on the ground,
except in captivity.
The small fruits are swallowed whole, whereas the larger
items are cut into pieces with the bill. It takes both wild and cultivated
fruits, and some buds.
They are often seen singly or in pairs, and occasionally in
small groups of 4-5 birds. They sometimes descend to the ground for drinking
and bathing, but they are mainly arboreal.
During the breeding season, they are strongly territorial.
Most of them live in pairs all year round and remain in their territory. This
area is defended against intruders. They breed solitary in their territory.
The beginning of the rainy season stimulates the courtship
activities, including calling and chasing from tree to tree, mutual feeding and
several displays. The birds open and close the bill, the crest is raised and
lowered and the head pattern is enhanced by some postures. They bow and move
the tail. But the main display is the spreading of the wings in order to expose
the crimson patches.
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