Yellow-crowned Crane
1. Bird Name
The bird we are profiling is the Yellow-crowned Crane, scientifically known as Balearica regulorum.
2. Appearance
The Yellow-Crowned Crane is a striking bird, appropriately named for its ‘crown’ of golden-yellow feathers on the top of its head. This bird has an overall charcoal grey body with white wing feathers that contrast sharply against its dark body. Both male and female have a distinctive inflatable red gular sac at their throat, which both sexes display during various behaviors. The beak is a sharp pointed shape, useful for foraging in their preferred wetland environments. The Yellow-crowned Crane also has pearl-grey eyes that are set against a dark grey face, lending an intense gaze.
3. Size
Yellow-crowned cranes are large birds, measuring an average of 120 cm/47 inches in length. Their wingspan extends up to an impressive 220 cm or 86.6 inches, which contributes to this bird’s ability to fly significant distances. This bird weighs between 3 and 4 kg on an average.
4. Habitat & Distribution
This crane species extends across sub-Saharan Africa dwelling in both wet and dry grasslands, often nearby water bodies. They are often spotted in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa. They are freshwater birds, hence they prefer habitats like wetlands, marshes, and on occasion savannas.
5. Interesting Facts
Yellow-crowned Cranes are one of the few crane species that are capable of perching on trees due to a long hind toe that can clutch onto tree branches. Their courtship rituals are a sight to behold, consisting of dancing, bowing, jump-flapping, and even tossing grass items in the air. These cranes also feature in various myths and folklore across African cultures because of their loud trumpeting calls that symbolize a call for rain, earning them the title of ‘rainbird.’
6. Diet
The diet of a Yellow-crowned Crane is omnivorous involving a variety of food items. They primarily feed on seeds, grasses, aquatic plants, and small creatures like insects, frogs, worms, snakes, and small fish.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Yellow-crowned Cranes are generally social birds, with pairs of cranes and their offspring will often congregate in small groups. Their call is a loud, trumpeting sound, which can be heard for several kilometers. The crane’s wings produce a loud, rattling sound when the bird is in flight, helping to scare away potential predators.
8. Conservation Status
Yellow-crowned Cranes are currently classified as “Endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, signaling that efforts are required to protect and conserve their habitats.
9. Lifespan
Yellow-crowned Cranes live for about 22 years in the wild. Human care can sometimes extend their lifespans up to 25 years.
10. Additional Notes
Called “Korongo la Taji” in Swahili, these cranes are highly respected birds, though they come into conflict when they feed on cultivated crops. They play a significant role in wetland ecosystems, contribute to the cycle of nutrients, and aid in maintaining biodiversity. They are considered symbols of luck and longevity in several African cultures.
