Fun Facts!

Some believe the call of the East African crowned crane in flight brings rain.

These cranes are noted for their spectacular dances which involves head-bobbing, wing fluttering, leaps and bows. Both males and females dance, and immature birds join the adults.

East African Crowned Crane

Balearica regulorum gibbericeps

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

This slate-gray bird has a “crown” of stiff golden feathers. The adult stands about three feet tall, and has a wingspan of about six feet. It has large white cheek patches with a small red patch at the top. Their long legs, long neck and excellent peripheral vision help the bird to spot predators and enemies.

HABITAT

The East African crowned crane is found in Zaire, Kenya, Tanzania, and it is the national bird of Uganda. Flocks of crowned cranes roost in trees or riverbeds.

DIET IN THE WILD

There is a great deal of variety in its diet. The crowned crane eats plants, seeds, grain, frogs, worms, snakes, small fish and eggs of water animals. Stamping their feet as they walk, they flush out insects which are quickly caught and eaten.

BEHAVIOR

The crowned crane is a social bird for most of the year, roosting with up to 100 of its favorite friends and neighbors. They make a loud, melodious call when flying flight and some chatter on the ground.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

The East African crowned crane is currently not on the endangered list, but the bird’s future is uncertain, due to the reduction of their wetland habitats. No conservation efforts are currently in place, but naturalists warn that too many marshes and wetland habitats are being drained for human use.

LIFE SPAN

They can live nearly 22 years.