Crowned Crane
This bird is mainly found in West Africa and the Sahel region, where the largest populations occur. However, the habitat of the crowned crane is shrinking as human expansion grows, leading to declining populations as well.
These habitats are found by the bird mainly in West Africa and the Sahel zone, where the largest populations also occur. However, the habitat of the grey crowned crane is becoming smaller and smaller with the spread of humans, so that the populations are also steadily declining.
The most striking features and characteristics of the grey crowned crane
As the name suggests, this crane species can be recognised mainly by the feathered crown on the back of its head. This has a light, almost white colour. It also has ornamental feathers on its neck, which form a bush that can be raised during courtship or danger. In addition, during courtship, the wings are spread wide and a dance is performed. The plumage of the bird is dominated by three colours: black, which extends from the head over the chest to the back. The bird also has white wing tips, which are particularly visible during the courtship dance. Finally, the brown to reddish-brown tail feathers of the bird should be mentioned.
Behaviour and distribution of the grey crowned crane
Depending on what the habitat has to offer, these birds feed on insects, worms and small vertebrates. To do this, they walk slowly through the grass on their long legs until they have flushed out or spotted prey, which they then kill with their small but powerful beak. It is often observed how they repeatedly stamp on the ground to flush out small animals. If the hunt is unsuccessful or no opportunity arises here, crowned cranes can also feed on grains, seeds or plants.
