Crowned crane

The grey crowned crane, also known as the royal crane, is recognisable by the crest of golden feathers on its head. But this regal adornment is not its only asset! Behind its elegance lies another surprising feature.

Unlike most cranes, it can perch in trees thanks to a unique anatomical feature: a long rear toe that allows it to grip branches securely. This is a very useful trait for spending the night safe from predators, although it generally prefers to nest on the ground, in the thick vegetation of wetlands.

The grey crowned crane lives in pairs, often for life, but most often moves in groups of about twenty individuals. Gatherings of up to 200 individuals can form near roosts and water areas. Unlike most other species, it does not migrate: it simply moves locally according to rainfall and water availability.

Its population is declining mainly due to the destruction and degradation of wetlands, agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and illegal capture for the live animal trade. The fragmentation of its habitat also reduces its breeding opportunities.

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  Habitat

  Forests, savannahs, grasslands, wetlands of Africa
• Food

  Seeds and shoots, grass and small insects and invertebrates.

Did you know ?

Insects, small reptiles and mammals, worms and plants.