It is one of the world’s most elegant and rare cranes and the largest crane species in Africa. It cuts an impressive figure as it strides gracefully through wetlands and floodplains. Its plumage is a beautiful mix of gray and white, with striking black flight feathers that stand out during flight. But what makes it unique are the long, dangling wattles—fleshy lobes of skin—hanging from either side of its bill. These wattles, which give the bird its name, are not just ornamental; they’re thought to play a role in communication and courtship, swaying gently as the crane moves or calls.
Unlike some cranes that adapt to farmland or drier areas, the Wattled crane is a wetland specialist. It is strongly tied to shallow marshes, floodplains, and seasonal wetlands, particularly those rich in aquatic plants. Its long legs and sharp bill are perfectly designed for foraging in water. Its diet is highly distinctive compared to other cranes: while most cranes eat a wide variety of seeds, insects, and small animals, the Wattled crane feeds mostly on aquatic vegetation—especially the tubers, roots, and rhizomes of water lilies and sedges. This specialized feeding makes it quite different from its cousins and ties its survival closely to the health of wetland habitats.
Socially and behaviorally, the Wattled crane is more sedate and less noisy than some better-known cranes, such as the whooping or sandhill crane. They are usually seen in pairs or small family groups, although outside of the breeding season, they may form larger flocks of dozens of individuals. Their courtship displays, however, are no less spectacular—mated pairs perform synchronized dances, leaping and bowing while flapping their enormous wings, often accompanied by trumpeting calls. These displays strengthen pair bonds and serve as one of the most breathtaking spectacles in the bird world.
Distribution
Angola
Botswana
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Eswatini
Official estimate
Ethiopia
Guinea-Bissau
Lesotho
Malawi
Mozambique
Namibia
South Africa
Tanzania
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
