Grey-crowned crane
Plains

Grey-Crowned Crane

Balearica regulorum

About

The grey-crowned crane is the national bird of Uganda. They are known for their striking head and wing plumage, which they show off during mating courtship dances. They are one of only two species of cranes that roost in trees or other high places at night, often in large flocks.

Grey-crowned crane parents choose wetlands or other aquatic areas with tall vegetation for their nests. The hatchlings are well hidden among the plants. Baby cranes can float, swim and eat within a day of hatching from their egg! They can live up to 25 years.

Size
3 feet tall and 7 pounds
Live in
Eastern and southern Africa
Food
Seeds, grasses, grains, invertebrates, small amphibians and reptiles
IUCN Red List Status
Endangered
Grey-crowned crane

Conservation

Grey-crowned cranes are an endangered species, and their populations continue to shrink. They face threats from wetland habitat loss, hunting and egg collection and pesticides.

To help combat the effects of climate change drought effects on wetland habitats, the Indianapolis Zoo participates in AES’s Green Power Offset Program. Indianapolis residents also can help offset carbon that they’re burning in fossil fuels through this program.

WHERE ARE THEY AT THE ZOO?