Range

Africa is the native home of the grey crowned crane. They can be found in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Habitat

Most of their time is spent in grasslands and wetlands, such as marshes, rivers, flood-plains and savannas, close to bodies of water. When feeding they will also travel out onto the savanna. They will also venture into agricultural land. Their territory features trees where they can roost come nightfall.

Reproduction

Breeding may occur year round but there is a peak from December to February in response to rainfall. Pairs are monogamous and mate for life. When courting a partner they perform what is referred to as a “nuptial dance.” This involves a range of bobs, bows, jumps and calls made by inflating the gular sack. Either gender can initiate this.

Nests are made near standing water. This consists of a platform of grass and other plants. This may measure between 50 and 86cm (19.7-33.9in) in diameter. Into this nest two to three eggs will be deposited.

28 to 31 days later these eggs hatch. Chicks develop incredibly fast and within 12 hours they are swimming and floating. A day later they start eating and after two days they are following their parents around to help them find food. This occurs in the marshland where they can be hidden instead of the savanna.

Fledging occurs after 56-100 days but sexually maturity is not reached until they are three years old. After fledging they will join a juvenile flock to continue their development.

Behavior

Flocks of birds may include 30-150 birds. Outside of the breeding season pairs will preen each other to strengthen their bond.

These birds do not move around enough to be considered migratory but they do change location seasonally to make sure they are near water and food.

Chicks use a sharp shrill “peeep” to communicate with their parents. The parents will reciprocate with a “purring” sound. They can also make a “oouuw” and “ya-oou-goo-lung.”

Due to their ability to perch in trees the grey crowned crane can avoid most predators. One species that does occasionally attack them is domestic dogs.

Quick facts

The grey crowned crane is Uganda’s national bird and is featured on their flag and coat of arms.

This species is also referred to as the blue-necked or royal crane on occasion.