The white-crested turaco is a bird in the family Musophagidae, a group of African otidimorph birds. The white-crested turaco is native to riverine forest and woodland in a belt between eastern Nigeria and western Kenya. It is a common species with a wide range and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed it as being of "least concern".
Region
West-Central to East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in a broad belt from eastern Nigeria and Cameroon east through the Central African Republic and South Sudan to Uganda and western Kenya. Prefers riverine and gallery forests, wooded savannas, and forest edges near water. Often found in secondary growth and thickets where fruiting trees are abundant. Tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and can persist in agroforestry mosaics.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
White-crested turacos are canopy-dwelling fruit specialists that help disperse seeds across African woodlands. Their inner flight feathers flash a vivid crimson in flight due to unique copper-based pigments (turacin), while the body’s rich green comes from turacoverdin. The prominent white crest is used in visual displays and makes the species easy to recognize.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups moving through the canopy. Builds a flimsy platform nest in trees where 2 eggs are laid; both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing. Territorial calls are given from exposed perches, often accompanied by crest-raising displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, gruff, and barking, often delivered in repeated series that carry far through woodland. Calls may include accelerating kow-kow or kowr-ow phrases used for contact and territory advertisement.
