Grey Crowned Crane
Name |
Grey Crowned Crane |
Scientific Name |
Balearica regulorum |
Characteristics |
The Grey Crowned-Crane (also known as a Crested Crane) is a very large bird (often over a meter tall) and has a distinctive ‘crown’ of golden feathers on the top of its head. Grey crowned-cranes have a distinctive ‘booming’ call which they make by inflating the red sacks underneath their chin. Breeding pairs of cranes are monogamous. Couples often ‘sing’ to one another to affirm their bond; this is known as unison calling. Cranes are also known for ‘dancing’. They move their bodies, bob their heads and leap around; this is usually to impress the opposite sex during courtship. However, the crane’s dance can also be a sign of aggression. Grey Crowned-Cranes share their parental duties. The male and the female build a nest together and both help out with incubating the egg and raising the young. |
Diet |
Cranes are omnivores, which means they eat a variety of plant materials and meat. |
Size Fact |
A full-grown, full-sized crane’s wingspan can reach up to 2 meters wide. |
Food Fact |
Cranes have been known to eat other birds’ eggs. |
Fun Fact |
The Grey Crowned-Crane is the national bird of Uganda. |
IUCN Red list |
The Grey Crowned-Crane is classified as Endangered on the IUCN red list. |
Where do I live? |
Grey Crowned-Cranes originate from Africa. |
Our animals |
At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, we have two types of crane: the Common Crane and the Grey Crowned-Crane. |