The Grey Crowned Crane (gray crowned carne) is an African bird from the crane family scientifically called “Balearica regulorum” found in most parts of Africa most especially in the south and east. It’s called different name by different people from different regions for example most people in the east of Africa call it East African Crane or East Crowned Crane.
Those in the south call it South African Crane, others call it golden crested crane or golden crowned crane and in Uganda, Its referred to as a Crested Crane. In East Africa, its mostly found in Uganda, Kenya and in some Eastern parts of Democratic Republic of Congo.
Exploring the Grey Crowned Crane – Essential Characteristics and Intriguing Facts:
Appearance;
One of the most notable features of the grey crowned crane is its golden crown of feathers that sits atop its head, giving it a regal appearance. This crown is actually a set of stiff golden feathers that contrast beautifully with its predominantly grey body.
They have a primarily grey plumage, with white wings that have a dramatic black and white pattern visible during flight. The cheeks are white, and there is a bright red inflatable throat pouch.
They have a distinctive black and white face and a red patch on the top of the head. Their long legs are black, which are used not only for wading through shallow waters but also for their notable dancing rituals. Their piercing pale eyes add to their striking appearance.
Gray Crowned Crane Appearance
Grey Crowned Crane Height;
The gray crowned crane, an adult of which typically stands at around 1 meter in height, presents a striking silhouette with its graceful posture and elongated neck. Males, in particular, tend to exhibit slightly greater stature compared to their female counterparts.
This majestic bird’s impressive height enables it to survey its surroundings with keen observation, showcasing its regal presence in its habitat.
Gray Crowned Crane Weight;
In terms of weight, the adult gray crowned crane typically tips the scales at approximately 7.7 pounds (3.5 kilograms). Despite their relatively lightweight build, these birds possess remarkable strength and agility, allowing them to traverse varied landscapes with ease.
Males generally boast a bulkier physique compared to females, reflecting their distinct roles in courtship displays and territorial behavior. This weight, while modest, is crucial for sustaining flight and executing their characteristic dances, making it a vital aspect of their biology and behavior.
Habitat;
Grey Crowned Cranes inhabit wetlands, marshes, and grasslands near rivers and lakes in eastern and southern Africa, including countries like Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. Most of them nest around the wet lands in tall trees far away from human species.
The gray and black are the only cranes among their species which can roost in tall trees because of their long hind toes that can grasp on the tree branches.
They are known for staying and lasting in one habitat as long as they feel safe, they don’t have seasonal movements like some other flocks of birds that move according to climatic conditions. They can fly to distant places in search of food and still come back to there habitat for a night.
Diet;
Gray crowned cranes are Omnivores consuming a variety of different foods including grains, worms, insects, vegetables, fruits, small aquatic animals and their eggs which they get as they wade through the swamps and tall grasses in the wetlands.
Note that they don’t consume all kinds of foods, they have specific just like humans that are very nutritious and good for there well being.
Behaviour;
The grey crown cranes live in flocks of less than 30. They normally move in a pair or more but not one. They dance, jump and bow, with honking sounds most specially during their courtship and in anytime of their leisure with their young ones.
They make a booming call which involves inflation of the red sac on their necks as a means of communicating with each other while in distant places. The females are very aggressive when protecting their young ones from predators.
Breeding;
In East Africa, the gray crowned cranes breed all year round most especially during the dry seasons. The two love birds together build a very large strong nest in a tall tree preparing themselves for the breeding process. They tend normally to a lay a few eggs approximately 2 to 5 eggs which they both hatch together in a period of 1month.
Just like any other bird, the baby cranes run and be active as soon as they are hatched. The chicks become independent in a period of 2 or 3months ready to start their own families.
Crowned crane baby
Lifespan of Gray Crowned Cranes;
The crested cranes have a longer lifespan compared to other bird species. They live approximately for a period 20 to 30 years in the wild and 60 to 80 years in captivity and through all that period they give birth.
Similar to humans, crested cranes practice monogamy, forming lifelong partnerships with a single mate until they are parted by unfortunate events such as death. Only then is the surviving partner free to seek a new companion.
