From Opus

Balearica regulorum

Photo by rudydbn
Location: Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

[edit] Identification

Length 105-110 cm, 3-4 kg.

Within its range, unmistakable with its large gold crown; in flight shows white wing coverts, black primaries and chestnut secondaries.

Similar species: The Black Crowned Crane is much darker and found further north; distribution does not overlap.

[edit] Distribution

Eastern and southern Africa: South Africa to southern Uganda and southern Kenya.

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Subspecies

• B. r. gibbericeps - Uganda and Kenya to n Zimbabwe and n Mozambique
• B. r. regulorum - S Angola and n Namibia to Zimbabwe and e South Africa

[edit] Habitat

Breed in wetlands with tall vegetation. Forages in grasslands, cultivated lands and pastures.

[edit] Behaviour

Forms flocks (usually less than 20 birds, exceptionally up to 300) when not breeding. Eats leaves and seeds of grasses, invertebrates and small vertebrates.

[edit] External Links