A striking bird native to the wetlands and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, the black-crowned crane is known for its impressive appearance and unique behaviors. This crane species is both captivating and ecologically significant. It is easily recognizable by its distinctive golden crown of stiff feathers, which contrasts with its dark, metallic-black plumage and white wing coverts. These features, along with its graceful movements, make it a favorite among bird enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
Black crowned cranes are social birds often seen in pairs or small family groups. During the breeding season, they engage in elaborate courtship dances that include a series of coordinated jumps, bows, and calls. These dances not only strengthen pair bonds but also play a crucial role in their mating rituals. The cranes’ loud, booming calls, which can be heard over long distances, are produced using their unique vocal anatomy, including an elongated trachea that amplifies their sound.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the black crowned crane is its habitat preference. Unlike many other crane species that favor open wetlands, black crowned cranes are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, including dry savannas, marshes, and agricultural fields. This adaptability is a key factor in their survival, especially in regions where natural habitats are under threat from human activities. Their diet is equally diverse, consisting of insects, small vertebrates, seeds, and grains. This omnivorous diet allows them to exploit different food sources depending on availability.
Distribution
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sudan
Togo
UgandaAnything we've missed?
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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
