Also known as: Crowned Crane, Blue-necked Crane, Blue-necked Crowned-Crane, Gray Crane, Gray Crowned Crane, Northern Crowned Crane, Royal Crane, Royal Crowned-Crane, South African Crowned Crane, Southern Crowned Crane
The Grey Crowned-Crane is a non-migratory species of crane found in parts of Africa. They reside in eastern Africa down into South Africa.
Grey Crowned-Cranes are named for their predominately dark grey body plumage, and for the elaborate crown of stiff golden feathers on their heads.
Grey Crowned-Cranes are omnivorous, feeding on snakes, fish, frogs, seeds, grains, and other food items. Along with the Black Crowned-Crane, this species has an elongated rear toe which allows it to roost in trees. They are the only cranes with this ability.
Grey Crowned-Cranes are considered Endangered by the IUCN as of March 2015. They face threats including habitat loss and habitat degradation. Hunting and trapping are other threats to the species. The population trend is declining rapidly.
The Grey Crowned-Crane is found in eastern and southern parts of Africa. They have a striking plumage, which includes a greyish neck, dark grey body plumage, red throat wattles, and a large ... more