What are the gray crowned cranes?
Gray crowned cranes are as majestic as their name suggests. They are one of the 15 species of crane, characterized by their long legs, gray bodies, white wings with brown and gold feathers, white cheeks, and bright red gular sacs underneath their chins. What sets them apart is the spray of stiff golden feathers forming a crown around their heads, making them truly striking.
Crowned cranes, which also include the black-crowned species (Balearica pavonina), are one of the oldest types of cranes, predating their relatives by tens of millions of years. The Gray Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda and has two subspecies, the Eastern African Gray Crowned Crane and the Southern African Gray Crowned Crane.
Gray crowned cranes are endangered due to capture and illegal sale, driven by wealthy demand for them as status symbols. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists them as endangered.
Habitat and diet of the gray crowned cranes
Gray crowned cranes are known to be monogamous once they find their mate. During the breeding season, which usually occurs in the rainy months when the wetlands are less accessible to predators, the couples become highly territorial.
They dance together and preen each other’s necks, which helps strengthen their bond. Breeding couples move away from the flock and build nests in or along the edges of the wetlands, where they lay up to four eggs at a time.
Threats to survival of the crested cranes
Gray crowned cranes are threatened by humans who keep them as pets or use their eggs and feathers for medicinal purposes. Poaching and illegal trading reduce their population and prevent adult cranes from taking care of their nests and offspring.
Conservation of the crested crane
Efforts are underway to protect the gray crowned cranes, which have been facing a decline in population. The Ugandan government and local citizens keenly watch over their national bird.
Uganda’s National Bird
The grey crowned crane is a symbol of national pride in Uganda, and is highly respected and protected by law. Even young children are taught to respect this bird as a national symbol.
In 1893, the governor of Uganda at the time, Sir Frederick Jackson, selected the grey crowned crane as a symbol to be displayed on the Union Jack, and His Majesty George V of England approved its use on flags flown by the governor of Uganda.
Today, the crested crane remains Uganda’s national bird due to its beauty and humble nature. It is featured on all official government documents and on the national Coat of Arms.
Natural Habitat of the crested cranes
They are native to both East and South Africa, preferring dry and open areas but nesting near wetlands and river banks.
