Endangered Birds

Grey Crowned Crane

Balearica regulorum

The grey crowned crane is the national bird of Uganda and one of only two crane species that can roost in trees, thanks to its long hind toe that can grasp branches.

Scientific name	Balearica regulorum
Swahili name	Korongo Taji
Conservation status	Endangered
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Gruidae
Size	Weight 3–4 kg, standing height approx. 1 m (3 ft 3 in), wingspan approx. 2 m (6 ft 7 in)

See this species in the app

How to identify

Body plumage mainly grey; wings predominantly white with dark grey and dark red patches; stiff golden crown on top of head; white cheeks with bright red inflatable throat pouch; short grey bill; long black legs; sexes similar, males slightly larger

Habitat

Dry savannah, wetlands, grassy flatlands near rivers and lakes, and cultivated lands; prefers wetter habitats during breeding season

Diet

Omnivorous; eats plants, seeds, grain, insects, frogs, worms, snakes, small fish and eggs of aquatic animals; stamps feet while walking to flush out insects

When it is active

Diurnal; forages during the day and roosts in trees at night

Where it lives

Eastern and southern sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Namibia; national bird of Uganda

How to spot it

Look for them at wetland edges and riverbanks; flocks of 30–150 birds are common in the morning; watch for the iconic golden crown; breeding season offers spectacular courtship dances with jumping, bowing and wing-spreading

Photography tips

Use a medium telephoto lens (300–500mm); backlight or sidelight at dawn highlights the golden crown; use burst mode during courtship dances to capture movement; wetland or savannah backgrounds add depth to the image

Threats

Wetland drainage and habitat loss, agricultural expansion, human disturbance, illegal capture for the pet trade, pesticide contamination of food chains

Similar species

Black crowned crane (Balearica pavonina), found in West and Central Africa, with a more prominent red wattle; both are the only crane species that can roost in trees

📖 how to spot the grey crowned crane on safari