East African Grey Crowned Cranes
Crowns have never looked this good. We are home to male, ‘Duke’, and his male offspring, ‘Bishop’.
Grassland royalty
These birds are named for their crown of stiff feathers that help them attract a mate, but that’s not the only advantage they have in romance. East African grey crowned cranes are known for their elaborate mating dance, which includes leaps, bows, and even short flights. Pairs strengthen their bonds by preening each other and building nests together, and they remain monogamous.
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (at very high risk of extinction in the wild)
- Type: Bird
- Habitat: Wetlands and nearby grasslands in east Africa
- Diet: Omnivore – seeds, insects, and invertebrates
- Size: 112 to 122 centimetres
- Weight: 3 to 4 kilograms
facts about our animals
Fun Facts about East African Grey Crowned Cranes
East African grey crowned cranes have a wingspan of 1.9 metres.
Crowned cranes are the most ancient crane species.
They roost in water or in high places like treetops and electrical poles.
Juvenile East African grey crowned cranes are mostly brown, with a darker coloured neck.
This species is known for its loud calls that can be heard more than five kilometres away.
Both parents take turns incubating eggs.
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