East African Crested Crane Natural History
Size
This bird stands around 1 meter high (3.3 ft) and weighs on average 3.5 kg (7.7 pounds).
Habitat and Distribution
This bird lives in the dried savannahs of Africa, remaining South of the Sahara. However, it will nest in slightly wetter areas. Its range is mainly confined to areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Age
The average lifespan of this bird in the wild is 22 years, however can be considerably longer in captivity.
Diet
This is an omnivorous bird which feeds both on a large number of grass seeds, as well as a variety of different insects.
Groups and Breeding
These birds perform very elaborate courtship displays and once the female accepts the males advances and breeds, she will lay between 2- 5 eggs in a platform nest made up mainly of grasses in wetland areas. Both the parents will incubate and protect the eggs, which hatch out after 28 to 31 days.
Threats
In 2008 this species was listed as Least Concern by the IUCN but this was changed in 2009 to Vulnerable and again to Endangered in 2012 showing the tragic speed that these birds are disappearing. The largest threats they are facing are habitat loss and the illegal removal of these birds and their eggs from the wild. Heavy use of agricultural pesticides, dam constructions and fires also create challenges for these animals.
Interesting Facts
These birds do not only dance during courtship displays but can be seen dancing at any age and it is believed that as well as being a normal part of their development, this dancing also serves to strengthen social bonds and vent aggression.
East African Crested Crane During Your Day Out in Kent
You can see our three African Crested Cranes living with other African such as Blesbok and Rothschild Giraffe in one of the newer areas of the park. Previously you may have seen them living on the lake alongside other birds but the moved home at the start of 2o23 to live with animals that they would share natural habitat with in the wild with instead. They are a male and female named Boyce and Marlene and of of their now fully grown babies. As a successful breeding pair you may be lucky enough on a visit to see them raising young something we are always proud to see considering their current Endangered status.
The more you know…
Want to know more about this animal? Check out our keeper blogs about them here.