Wattled crane – The nomadic member of the family

Wattled Crane – Bugeranus carunculatus

Class: Aves

Territory: Sub-Saharan Africa

Diet: Grasses, insects, fish

Lifespan: 20-30 years

Adult weight: 6-9 kg (14-20 lb)

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Most species coordinate their movements with the changing seasons, but this fussy drinker roams the wetlands looking for the best quality water. They typically prefer saturated areas and it’s not uncommon to find them congregating at flood sites. They are less house-proud than other species and their nests can be found at wetland edges more closely resembling a mass of crushed grass than a nest. Despite this, they are very territorial and nesting sites will always be kept a minimum of 500 metres (1,640 feet) apart. When compared to other crane species, the wattled crane makes for a dedicated parent. This species spends up to 36 days on average incubating their eggs, which is longer than any other crane.