(East African)

 Balearica pavonina gibberifrons

 There are several subspecies of the African Crowned crane, and all are similar in appearance and are recognized by the crown of yellowish feathers on the back of their heads.  They are colorful birds and are popular with hobbyists.  The endangered northern subspecies is black-necked and is considered the most impressive of these cranes.  The vulnerable gray-necked group consists of the southern and eastern subspecies.

 The East African crowned crane ranges through Uganda and Kenya frequenting the grasslands bordering marshes or swamps.  Adults are four feet tall weighing 8.5 pounds with wing spans of six to seven feet.  Their life span is fifty to sixty years.  Males and females are nearly identical but the females may have a smaller crest.  They feed on insects and small animals along with some vegetation and grains.  They also consume aquatic animals.  Their foraging technique consists of moving through grass and stamping their feet to scare up insects or other small animals.  They are usually seen in pairs or small groups. 

Pairs are very territorial, mate for life  and are aggressive when defending their territory or chicks.  Nests are either built on the ground or in low trees, our birds prefer to roost in the trees.  Two to three large rough green eggs are laid with an incubation period of thirty days.  Because these birds consume great quantities of insects, especially grasshoppers, locusts, and reptiles, including snakes, these cranes are kept as pets by the Africans.  When hand-raised as pets they are reputed to become extremely tame and attached to their owners.  The zoo diet is a cup of crowned crane diet, ½ cup gamecock mix with oyster shell, and a cup of chopped fruits and lettuce.

 These birds are very showy and pairs often engage in displays.  If you are lucky enough to witness these displays, you will be treated to a spectacular show.

The single female now on display was hatched at the zoo in 1994 or 1996.  On July 8, 2005 she hatched a chick (photo on left) then 2 days later killed her mate protecting it.    On August 14 the chick was found killed - probably by a mongoose.