Grey crowned crane | Chester Zoo animals

About

Grey crowned cranes are every bit as regal as their name suggests. Their grey bodies contrast sharply with their black and white wings, and a bright red pouch that hangs from the throat.

Most strikingly, a cluster of golden feathers forms a crown around their heads.

Like all cranes, these graceful birds have very strong pair bonds, and often remain paired for life. These bonds are strengthened prior to breeding by elaborate dances and booming calls involving inflation of the throat pouch.

Their breeding season is dictated by the rain, and both parents will spend time incubating 2 to 5 eggs. Chicks can run as soon as they hatch, but they won’t fledge until they are between 55 – 100 days old.

Grey crowned crane facts

SPECIES

I am a bird

They are the national symbol and the national bird of Uganda.

FOUND IN

Africa

They are found from Kenya and Uganda to South Africa and Zimbabwe.

HABITAT

Wetlands and savannahs

In parts of East Africa, they live in pastures and croplands, while in South Africa, they live in marshes, grasslands, savannahs, and cultivated fields.

DIET

Omnivore

They eat plant matter and insects such as grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, worms, lizards, frogs and crabs.

BEHAVIOUR

Gregarious and preening

Flocks may include 30 - 150 individuals. Outside the breeding season, mates will preen one another to strengthen their bond and perform dances as well.

AVERAGE SIZE

Around 1m tall

Their wingspan is up to 2m.

LIFE SPAN

Around 20 years

Although with human care, they can live for up to 25 years.

ZOO LOCATION

Heart of Africa

You'll be able to visit the great hornbill again in 2025.

IUCN red list statusEndangered