Where does the Grey Crowned Crane live?
Balearica regulorum
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Open the appThe Grey Crowned Crane lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Grasslands, savannas, wetlands, agricultural lands
Geographic range
Eastern and Southern Africa. The species is divided into two subspecies: Balearica regulorum regulorum (East African Crowned Crane) found from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania; and Balearica regulorum gibbericeps (South African Crowned Crane) found in Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique.
Preferred environments
Open grasslands, savannas, and cultivated areas adjacent to wetlands, marshes, and shallow freshwater bodies. They require areas with tall grasses for nesting and roosting, and open areas for foraging.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to 3,000 meters (9,800 ft), but most common in lower to mid-altitudes.
Where to look
Wetlands and Marshes
Look in shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, and the edges of lakes and rivers, especially those with emergent vegetation.
Grasslands and Savannas
They often forage in open grasslands and savannas, particularly those adjacent to water sources.
Agricultural Lands
Can be found in cultivated fields, especially after harvest, where they feed on spilled grains and insects.
Protected Areas
National parks and wildlife reserves across East and Southern Africa are excellent places to observe them, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda), Masai Mara (Kenya), and Kruger National Park (South Africa).
Field tips
- Look near water. Always check wetland edges, shallow pools, and marshy areas. They are rarely far from water.
- Listen for calls. Their booming 'maa-hem' call is distinctive and can often lead you to their location, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Observe social groups. Outside the breeding season, they often form large, conspicuous flocks, making them easier to spot.
- Watch for dancing displays. During the breeding season, observe their elaborate courtship dances, which are a spectacular sight.
- Check trees. Unlike most cranes, they roost in trees, so scan suitable trees near wetlands, especially in the evening.
Migration
Generally sedentary, but some populations undertake local or seasonal movements in response to rainfall and food availability. They are not long-distance migrants like many other crane species.
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