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BLACK-CROWNED CRANE (Balearica pavonina)

©Nigel Key Black-Crowned Crane (Slimbridge May 2015)

The Black-Crowned Crane is a crane and a member of the Gruidae family and is closely related to the Grey-Crowned Crane.

The Black-Crowned Crane is threatened by drought, loss of habitat due to drainage, over grazing and use of pesticides. It is currently classed as Endangered.

   Hear the Black-Crowned Crane's Call:-
Conservation Status


Size
1000mm (39") tall.

Appearance - Male
The male has a Black head, a Grey bill, Red cheeks with White behind the eye, a crest of Golden feathers, and a Red inflatable pouch hanging from the throat. The plumage is mainly Dark Grey to Black with Chestnut secondary feathers and White wing coverts. The legs and feet are Dark Grey to Black.

Appearance - Female
Similar to the male except slightly smaller.

Habitat
Savannah South of the Sahara, Wetlands, Marshes, Grassy Flatlands, Lakes and Rivers.

Diet
Plants, Seeds, Grain, Insects, Frogs, Worms, Snakes, Small Fish and Eggs.

Breeding Time
July to October.

Nest
The nest is usually built on a platform of grass and plants in wetland vegetation but they are also known to nest in trees.

Eggs
Quantity: 2 to 3
Colour: Pale Blue.











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PHOTOGRAPHS

Black-Crowned Crane (WWT Slimbridge May 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Black-Crowned Crane (WWT Slimbridge May 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Black-Crowned Crane (WWT Slimbridge May 2015) - pic by Nigel Key
17/05/14 23/05/15 23/05/15
Black-Crowned Crane (WWT Slimbridge March 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Black-Crowned Crane (WWT Slimbridge March 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Black-Crowned Crane (WWT Slimbridge March 2014) - pic by Nigel Key
16/03/14 16/03/14 16/03/14
Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key
Click for larger image


Related Links:-


Demoiselle Crane - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Eurasian Crane - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Grey-Crowned Crane - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Red-Crowned Crane - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Crane Identification - www.slim-bridge.co.uk


You can help to protect wetland habitats in the UK and around the World by becoming a member of the WWT, visit official WWT site for details.