The Grey-Crowned Crane

The Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) is a bird in the crane family Gruidae. It occurs in dry savannah in Africa south of the Sahara, although it nests in somewhat more humid habitats.

Interesting Facts:

-This bird does not migrate.

- This species and the closely related Black Crowned Crane are the only cranes that can roost in trees, because of a long hind toe that can grasp branches. 

-This habit, amongst other things, is a reason why the relatively small Balearica cranes are believed to closely resemble the ancestral members of the Gruidae.

-It makes a honking sound quite different from the trumpeting of other crane species during its courtship display.

-The Grey Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda and features in the country's flag and coat of arms.

 These animals are strikingly beautiful,  Africa is so fortunate to have such an abundance of wildlife found no where else on Earth.