In the crane family there are about fourteen different species. All of them have individual characteristics that distinguish them from their relatives. One of the most striking representatives of this family is the eastern crowned crane, which stands out from other birds not only in appearance but also in its way of life.
Habitat
These birds live in open spaces. Despite the fact that the crowned crane prefers the shores of reservoirs, water meadows and freshwater swamps, it is perfectly arranged in a drier area. They can be seen in rice fields or on plantations where other moisture-loving crops are grown. As a rule, these birds settle near acacias and other trees suitable for arranging an overnight stay. They mainly live in Ethiopia, Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, as well as in regions located south of the Sahara.
Crowned Crane: Description
This rather tall bird, whose growth is 91-104 centimeters, weighs up to five kilograms. The main part of her body is covered with black or dark gray plumage. The main distinguishing feature by which the crowned crane can be recognized is the head, decorated with a large golden tuft, formed by hard feathers. The cheeks of the bird are covered with red and white spots (a pair on both sides). It is from here that the second name of this bird, known as the red crowned crane, comes from.
Under the chin is a small throat sac, similar to what roosters or turkeys have. On the black legs of this bird there is a rather long back finger, thanks to which it is easily held on the branches of trees. This sets them apart from most relatives.
Interestingly, crowned cranes have almost no sexual dimorphism. Females are practically no different from males. As for the young, it can be recognized by a lighter color. The upper body of growing birds is covered with reddish plumage.
Features of the mating season
The crowned crane begins to breed in the rainy season. Mutual courtship can be manifested in several different ways. Most often, birds begin to release air from the throat sac, making clapping sounds. At this moment, the small crane head leans forward a little, after which it abruptly throws itself back. They can also reproduce a characteristic trumpet sound that distinguishes them from their relatives.
Often courtship is accompanied by a mutual dance, which includes shaking his head, flapping his wings, diving and bouncing. Sometimes males and females who want to attract attention begin to throw up bunches of grass.
How do crowned cranes hatch chicks?
The nesting territory of these birds is relatively small. An area ranging from ten to forty hectares is carefully protected from creeping by other birds. A round nest of sedge or some other grass is built not far from the reservoir, and sometimes it is hidden in the thickest aquatic vegetation. The female lays no more than five eggs.
The duration of the incubation period averages about a month. In hatching, not only the mother, but also the father takes part. But the female spends most of the time in the nest. The body of the hatched chicks is covered with gray-brown down. The very next day, the kids begin to leave the nest. The first independent flights of cranes make at the age of three months.
What do these birds eat?
Crowned Crane is omnivorous. He with the same appetite consumes food of plant and animal origin. The basis of his diet is all kinds of seeds, shoots, insects and even small vertebrates.
Periodically, it feeds on cereals growing on agricultural fields. However, farmers have long ceased to perceive it as a pest. During a drought period, cranes migrate to higher elevations, closer to the habitat of herds of large animals, since it is there that an abundance of disturbed invertebrates is noted.
