ExploreBirds

Black Crowned Crane

Balearica pavonina

The Black Crowned Crane is a beautiful bird with a striking black crown and long legs. It loves to dance and can often be seen hopping around in wetlands and grasslands.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Black Crowned Crane has a mostly slate-grey to black body with striking white wing patches and a bright red gular sac. Its most distinctive feature is the stiff, golden bristly crown of feathers atop its head, making it truly regal.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGruiformesFamilyGruidaeGenusBalearica
Black Crowned Crane
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Black Crowned Crane

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Cranes are famous for their amazing, energetic courtship dances!

Their ancient ancestors date back millions of years, making them living fossils!

They are one of only two crane species that can comfortably perch in trees!

Unlike most cranes, these birds prefer to wander locally rather than migrate far.

Special abilities

Ability

Display Dancer

Black Crowned Cranes can perform elaborate leaps and bows, because it helps them attract a mate during courtship.

Ability

Trumpet Voice

Black Crowned Cranes have a long, coiled windpipe that helps them make loud, trumpeting calls across their habitat.

Ability

Wetland Navigator

Black Crowned Cranes can build floating nests on water plants, because it keeps their eggs safe from ground predators.

Ability

Tree Percher

Black Crowned Cranes can comfortably perch in trees, a rare ability among cranes that helps them rest safely.

Measurements & details

Length
90-105 cm
Wingspan
180-200 cm
Weight
3-4 kg
Lifespan
20-25 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
2-3
Incubation
28-31 days
Migration Distance
800 km

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous, they munch on plants, seeds, insects, and small animals found in wetlands and grasslands.

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Seeds
  • Grains
  • Small fish
  • Amphibians
  • Worms

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions can ambush cranes near water sources.

eats

Migratory Locust

Locusta migratoria

Cranes hunt and eat large insect swarms.

eaten by

African Rock Python

Python sebae

Large pythons prey on adult cranes.

eats

Redbelly Tilapia

Tilapia zillii

They catch small fish from shallow waters.

Traits

Also known as

African 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 Black Crowned Crane?

90-105 cm

What is Black Crowned Crane's wingspan?

180-200 cm

How much does Black Crowned Crane weigh?

3-4 kg

How long does Black Crowned Crane live?

20-25 years

How fast can Black Crowned Crane move?

60 km/h

What does Black Crowned Crane eat?

Omnivorous, they munch on plants, seeds, insects, and small animals found in wetlands and grasslands.

Where is Black Crowned Crane usually found?

Wetlands

How does Black Crowned Crane hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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