[Balearica regulorum regulorum]
Habitat: Wetland-grasslands
Height: 36-48 in
Max Lifespan: 40 years
Incubation Period: 28-31 days
Number of Young: 2-5
Conservation Status: Endangered
– Cranes engage in dancing and moves can include head pumping, bowing, jumping, running, stick or grass tossing, and wing flapping.
– Primitive species of crowned cranes date back in the fossil record to the Eocene period.
– Once existing in Europe and North America, it is believed they died out in these areas as the earth cooled, and only survived in warmer Africa.
– Crane chicks can follow the parent bird around learning how to forage for food within a few hours of hatching.
– They stomp their feet while walking across grasslands to flush out insects and other prey.
– Are the only species of crane that can roost in trees due to their prehensile hind toe.