Also known as: Crowned Crane, Dark Crowned Crane, Northern Crowned Crane, Black-crowned Crane
The Black Crowned-Crane is a magnificent species of crane found in sub-Saharan parts of Africa. These birds have a mostly dark plumage, with white along the upper wings. They are named for their black body plumage and for the distinctive crown of golden feathers that they have on their heads.
The preferred habitat of Black Crowned-Cranes is freshwater marshes and wet grasslands. They are omnivorous and feed on plant material like grasses and seeds, as well as small prey items including insects and small vertebrates and invertebrates.
The Black Crowned-Crane has a conservation status of Vulnerable to Extinction as of March 2015, with a decreasing population trend. The species faces threats from loss and degradation of habitat, hunting and illegal trade. Political instability across parts of its range hinder conservation efforts.
The Black Crowned-Crane is one of two Crowned-Crane species (the other is they Grey Crowned-Crane). These birds are easily recognized by their flamboyant golden head crests. They have a black body plumage ... more