Balearica – Crowned cranes

Most of the species in this genus couldn’t make it, but two brave species, black and grey, strive daily to stay alive.

Sadly, the reason behind the extinction of most species in this genus is humans. Did you know that human activities are destroying wetlands, essentially the habitat of these rare birds? These gorgeous and graceful cranes don’t mind rummaging through a dumpster in urban areas to find some yummy food. However, insects like grasshoppers and plant material like seeds or cereals could also be found at their dinner table. A very unusual behavior, i.e., roosting and nesting on trees, might take a birdwatcher by surprise.

This particular feature helps them stand out among the rest of the crane species.