Black Crowned Crane
Northern Crowned-crane, West African Crowned-crane, Sudan Crowned-crane
The Black crowned crane is covered with plumage that is black or nearly black. The wings have white and gold sections, and there are red and white patches of skin on the face behind the eye. Under the head is a small gular pouch which can produce booming noises when inflated. On top of the head is a golden crown. The bird's eyes are brown and its legs and feet are black. The young bird is greyish-brown with a brown nape and crown. Its crest is smaller in size than the adult's. The upper parts have rufous-edged feathers. It is a stately, elegant bird.
Photos with Black Crowned Crane
Distribution
The Black crowned crane makes it home in the savannah area of sub-Saharan Africa, from Sudan and Ethiopia in the east, over to the west coast including Senegal and Gambia. It lives in shallow wetlands and mixed grasslands, and often frequents flooded wetlands, wet croplands, rice fields and upland fields in West Africa. In East Africa the crane prefers wet areas, such as wet meadows, large marshes, ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Geography
Biome
Climate zones
Habits and Lifestyle
The species generally lives in a defined area, but will fly on a daily and seasonal basis as far as several dozen kilometers. In the dry season (non-breeding time) large flocks of as many as several hundred birds are formed. During the breeding season, a single pair nests within territories of 0.5-1 square kilometers. Mostly diurnal, they sleep at night while standing on one or other leg, preferably in water. Black crowned cranes usually feed in the mornings and afternoons, with plenty of time for other activities. They spend much time preening, as do all birds. These cranes look for food either singly, in pairs or with a small group. They peck on the surface rather than digging into the soil. During drier spells they tend to feed near livestock, where invertebrates are in abundance.
Diet and Nutrition
Black crowned cranes are omnivores and will eat anything small enough that they can catch, including snails, insects, crabs, lizards, amphibians and snakes. They also eat seeds and fruit.
Mating Habits
These cranes are monogamous and form a bond with their mate for life. During the mating season, the birds perform beautiful courtship displays with accompanying calls, starting with mutual repeated bowing. They then spread their wings to hop, run and jump up into the air, their legs dangling. They may preen each other. The breeding season lasts from July until October, in accordance with the rains. The female lays 2-3 eggs. The parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 28-31 days, with the female's turn being mainly during the night, while both parents have turns during the day. Soon after hatching the chicks go with their parents to feed nearby. They are able to fly 60 to 100 days later.
Population
Population threats
The biggest threat to Black crowned cranes is degradation and loss of their wetland habitats due to drainage of wetlands and conversion for agriculture, excessive grazing, drought, fire, agricultural and industrial pollution, oil exploration and dam construction. This crane is also threatened by the illegal hunting by locals and pet trade.
Population number
According to IUCN Red list as of 2004, the total population of Black crowned crane was estimated to be between 43,000 and 70,000 birds. The western sub-population was estimated to number c.15,000 individuals and the eastern sub-population estimated at 28,000-55,000 individuals. They are classified as Vulnerable with decreasing population trend.
Fun Facts for Kids
- The Black crowned crane's call is a low-pitched, loud honk: "wonk" or "ka-wonk". It calls when flying and during a courtship display.
- In Kenya's cultural life the Black crowned crane is known as a messenger of peace.
- This species is often confused with the grey crowned crane, which is very similar, but they live in different places.
- This crane is the most beautiful one of all and the only one to roost in trees.
- The amazing dances performed by the adult birds are not only connected with mating behavior but are considered to be an expression of joy.