Grey crowned crane

Description

They are grey with a yellow crown, a large red gular sac on the throat and white patches on the cheeks. The feathers on the neck are pearl grey and those on the wings black and brown. The tops of the wings are white, and the tail grey; the legs, feet and beak are black. 

Ethology

They often rest in the trees, which is a behaviour rarely seen in other cranes. They perform complex courtship rituals including jumping, curtseys and noises. They build fairly large nests with vegetation in marshy areas. Both parents share the tasks of building the nest, incubation and care for the chicks. A normal clutch consists of 2 pale blue eggs, which are incubated for 28-35 days. The chicks have a reddish to greyish brown plumage. 

Interesting facts

It is the national bird of Uganda and a sacred symbol in Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. It is in danger of extinction due to the degradation of its breeding areas, and it is also chased away by farmers, as it is considered a threat to the farmers’ crops.