There are only 15 species of crane worldwide. These large, charismatic birds mate for life, dance for joy, and sing in unison.
Black-crowned crane – The king of the cranes
Black-crowned Crane – Balearica pavonina
Class: Aves
Territory:Â West Africa, Sudan and South Sudan
Diet:Â Grains, plants, insects
Lifespan:Â 20-30 years
Adult weight:Â 3-4 kg (7-9 lb)
Conservation status:Â VulnerableÂ
The black-crowned crane may be one of the smaller cranes but it is certainly the most regal, adorned with a large, yellow crown and smooth, black, velvety feathers on its head. This bird is unusual in the way it roosts; while most cranes are ground-dwelling creatures, the black-crowned crane is the only one known to take to the trees and build nests amongst the branches.
The cranes will search their surrounding area, looking for wetland edges where the best grasses and sedges grow, and use these to construct their nest. They hold an important place in Kenyan pastoralist (farming) culture, where they are highly regarded as messengers of peace.
