Grey crowned crane

South Africa Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum )

The South African Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum ) or gray neck - Crowned Crane is a bird from the family of Cranes ( Gruidae ). He is close to the Crowned Crane (B. pavonina ) used, by whom he was not distinguished long time to species rank. Like all cranes also has the Kronenkranich a conspicuous courtship dance, where he spreads his wings wide.

Appearance

It is defined by its straw-colored " feather crown " and the velvety spring-bead on the head and on the throat. The plumage is slate gray on the top, bottom and neck are a little lighter gray. The face is naked and white, the flap of skin on the throat are red. Beak and legs are black. From ( black-necked ) Crowned Crane (B. pavonina ) it differs by the light gray neck plumage and large, clearly visible red wattles.

Habitat and Distribution

The South African Crowned Crane is in East Africa, in the subspecies B. r. gibbericeps, and southern Africa home. It can be, for example, in the Republic of South Africa in the Transvaal, Natal observe in the western and the eastern tip of the Eastern Cape. It can be found in swampy areas on the marsh as well as in tree savannas and cultivated land.

Grown South African Crowned Crane

Grown South African Crowned Crane and Young in juvenile plumage

Balearica regulorum gibbericeps

Endangering

This species is endangered due to loss of wetlands and the local breeding areas, which arises, for example, drought, storm drainage and overgrazing, as well as by extensive use of pesticides. The extraction of groundwater, as well as the construction of dams is also mentioned here.

In addition, the South African Crowned Crane is caught, hunted and sold with traps, its eggs are often collected. In South Africa, for example, he is persecuted because he used agricultural land in search of food. The IUCN lists the South African Crowned Crane as vulnerable ( vulnerable ).