ExploreBirds

Balearica

Balearica

The Balearica, also known as the crowned crane, is a beautiful bird with a striking golden crown of feathers. They are known for their graceful dance and can often be seen in wetlands and grasslands.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Balearica has an elegant grey body with white and reddish-brown wing patches. It's instantly recognizable by its stiff, golden-feathered crown and bright red gular wattles, making it look like royalty.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGruiformesFamilyGruidaeGenusBalearica
Balearica
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeomnivorous trait badgesinging trait badge
Balearica

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Balearica is the only crane that can roost in trees!

Their unique "dancing" displays can involve bowing and jumping!

They are the national bird of Uganda, symbolizing peace.

Young cranes look like fluffy brown balls with no crown yet.

Special abilities

Ability

Golden Crown Display

Balearica uses its stiff, golden crest feathers for spectacular courtship dances and communication, helping it attract a mate.

Ability

Perching Power

Balearica can perch in trees thanks to a long hind toe, which helps it roost safely away from ground predators at night.

Ability

Booming Call

Balearica can produce a powerful, booming call by inflating a red throat sac, helping it communicate across long distances.

Measurements & details

Length
90-105 cm
Wingspan
180-200 cm
Weight
3-4.5 kg
Lifespan
15-25 years
Top Speed
65 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
28-31 days
Migration Distance
300 km

Diet & Feeding

Balearica are omnivores, munching on everything from bugs and seeds to small fish!

Age differences: Young chicks initially rely more heavily on protein-rich insects for growth.

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Seeds
  • Grains
  • Small fish
  • Frogs
  • Crabs

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Tawny Eagle

Aquila rapax

preys on crane eggs and vulnerable chicks

eaten by

Nile Crocodile

Crocodylus niloticus

targets eggs, chicks, or adults near water

eats

Migratory Locust

Locusta migratoria

a significant food source during outbreaks

eats

Maize

Zea mays

often feeds on cultivated crops in agricultural areas

Traits

Also known as

Crowned Crane

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Balearica?

90-105 cm

What is Balearica's wingspan?

180-200 cm

How much does Balearica weigh?

3-4.5 kg

How long does Balearica live?

15-25 years

How fast can Balearica move?

65 km/h

What does Balearica eat?

Balearica are omnivores, munching on everything from bugs and seeds to small fish!

Where is Balearica usually found?

Wetlands

How does Balearica hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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