Crowned Crane

Class: Birds

Order: Gruiformes

Family: Gruidae

Weight: 3-4 kg

Height: 100-120 cm, wingspan — 180-200 cm

Coloration: Crowned cranes have a grey-black body with white and brown markings on their wings. On their head is a distinctive “crown” of golden feathers, which gives the bird its recognizable appearance. The face is adorned with red and blue patches of skin, and the legs are long and black, perfectly adapted for walking through water.

Sexual maturity: 3-4 years

Incubation period: 28-31 days

Lifespan: up to 22 years in the wild, up to 30 years in captivity

Habitat: Crowned cranes inhabit sub-Saharan Africa, including regions from Uganda and Kenya to South Africa. They prefer wet savannas, marshlands, and riverbanks.

Diet: Crowned cranes are omnivorous. They feed on insects, small vertebrates, seeds, grasses, and roots. While feeding, they may use their feet to flush out insects.

Did you know?

• Crowned cranes are among the few crane species that can perch in trees thanks to their long, prehensile toes.
• These birds are known for their beautiful courtship dances, which they use for mating and strengthening pair bonds.
• Despite their elegance, crowned cranes produce loud, trumpet-like calls due to their special tracheal structure.
• The Crowned crane is Uganda’s national bird and appears on its coat of arms.
• Unlike most cranes, they don’t migrate long distances, preferring to stay within their region.