National Bird of Angola

National Bird of Angola

The national bird of Angola is Red-crested turaco. And there are little bit species of birds to discover and have some later discovered. Red-crested turaco is one of them. Angola’s national bird, Red-crested turacos are so much unique that if you stirred a glass of water with a red turaco feather, the water would turn pink. The Red-crested turaco is considered as the national bird of Angola for being so much beautiful and unique.

While you’ve got the answer to the question: “What is the national bird of Angola?” definitely you’ve more questions about the unknown species. Before answering those common questions, we’ll represent about some basic facts of Red-crested turaco.

Facts about Angola’s national bird

  • Common Name: Red-crested turaco
  • Scientific name: Gypaetus barbatus
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves
  • Order: Cuculiformes
  • Family: Musophagidae
  • Genus: Tauraco
  • Species: Tauraco erythrolophus
  • Found in: Restricted to the African continent, south of the Sahara from Angola to the Congo.
  • Habitat: Forest and savanna
  • Average Length: 47.5-50cm;
  • Average Weight: 0.45kg
  • Average Lifespan: 5-9 years in wild

The Red-crested turaco is a 47.5-50cm small bird. These birds have mobile outer toes, which they are able to rotate forward or backward. The call of a turaco sounds like “g’way”, which is why they are often referred to as go-away birds. On their heads is a beautiful crest, which stands about 5 cm (2 in.) when they are excited. They use their long tails for balance and their feet are very good at gripping.

 

Red-crested turacos live in large groups of up to 30 individuals. Their breeding is monogamous. During courtship, the male turaco will use to feed the female. They are very social and together, they build their nest; mother and father take turns sitting on the eggs. Once the eggs have hatched, other flock members help the new mother care for the chicks.

Turacos are the only birds to possess true red and green color. When you look at most birds, the color you are seeing is a reflection produced by the feather structure. The turaco’s red pigment (turacin) and green pigment (turacoverdin) both contain copper. In fact, if you stirred a glass of water with a red turaco feather, the water would turn pink! In museum species, the pigments deepen with age because the copper begins to oxidize. So the unique Red-crested turaco has a huge reason to be the National bird symbol of Angola.

References:

  1. Facts about Red-crested turaco ” – seaworld
  2. Details about Red-crested turaco ” – seaworld
  3. What is the national bird of Andora” – Wikipedia

LEAVE A COMMENT:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *