Although Crowned Cranes are abundant in much of their range, they are under threat due to land drainage, pesticide pollution and overgrazing by domestic livestock.
The Grey Crowned crane is slate grey in colour with a long neck and body. The wing feathers are white and the tail feathers are almost black. They have a distinctive white and red bare patch on their cheek and a gold coloured crown. With this elaborate headdress of golden feathers, Crowned Cranes are an unmistakable sight. They can grow up to 1.2m (48in) tall and weigh up to 4kg (8.8lbs).
Living in the dry savannah areas of Africa, south of the Sahara, Crowned Cranes can be found in loose flocks of around 20 birds. They are omnivorous (eat both plants and animals) and feed on a variety of small invertebrates, reptiles and mammals as well as seeds and vegetation.
Although sociable outside of the breeding season, Crowned Cranes are extremely territorial during breeding and will defend their nest vigorously. During the season, a mating pair will move to more fertile land, such as a flood plain or marsh, to nest. After mating, two to three eggs are laid and incubated (kept warm) for around 30 days. Once hatched, these stunning birds can live for up to 22 years, or even longer in managed facilities.
