Birds
Grey crowned crane
Balearica regulorum
The grey crowned crane is named for the spectacular crest of golden feathers on its head. Elegant and noisy, it frequents African wetlands and, unlike other cranes, can perch in trees.
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In short
The grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) is a species with IUCN conservation status EN (Endangered). It lives in wet grassland, marshes and cultivated land near water, nesting among wetland vegetation. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: view the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the grey crowned crane live?
It lives in wet grassland, marshes and cultivated land near water, nesting among wetland vegetation. Omnivorous, it feeds on seeds, insects and small animals, often following grazing livestock. It performs elaborate courtship dances.
Is the grey crowned crane endangered?
Rated Endangered (EN) with a decreasing population. The main threats are wetland drainage, illegal capture of eggs and adults for trade, and pesticide use.
Facts about the grey crowned crane
- The golden crest of stiff feathers gives it the name ‘crowned’ crane.
- It is one of the few cranes able to perch in trees.
- Its courtship dances are among the most elaborate of any bird.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Balearica regulorum (Endangered) · BirdLife International
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.