- Balearica regulorum
Identification
Length 105-110 cm, 3-4 kg.
Within its range, unmistakable with its large gold crown; in flight shows white wing coverts, black primaries and chestnut secondaries.
Similar species: The Black Crowned Crane is much darker and found further north; distribution does not overlap.
Distribution
Eastern and southern Africa: South Africa to southern Uganda and southern Kenya.
Taxonomy
Subspecies
- B. r. gibbericeps - Uganda and Kenya to n Zimbabwe and n Mozambique
- B. r. regulorum - S Angola and n Namibia to Zimbabwe and e South Africa
Habitat
Breed in wetlands with tall vegetation. Forages in grasslands, cultivated lands and pastures.
Behaviour
Forms flocks (usually less than 20 birds, exceptionally up to 300) when not breeding. Eats leaves and seeds of grasses, invertebrates and small vertebrates.
