Purple-crested Turaco

For such a showy bird, the Purple-crested Turaco hates being in the limelight and is too flighty to photograph. We’re alerted to its presence by its deep call, and often only then see the flash of crimson wings. This one, however, took its time as it preened and stretched its wings, revealing the red wing panels. Turacin, a copper-based pigment unique to turacos, is responsible for the brilliant crimson plumage.