Grey Crowned Crane \ Balearica regulorum
The Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) is a striking and elegant bird native to Africa, commonly found in wetlands, savannas, and grasslands south of the Sahara Desert. Recognizable by its vibrant golden crown of stiff feathers, this species boasts a beautiful grey plumage, a white face with striking red wattles, and long, slender legs ideal for wading in shallow waters. It is a non-migratory bird but may move locally in search of food and water. The Grey Crowned Crane is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant matter, insects, and small vertebrates. As a symbol of prosperity and longevity in many African cultures, it is the national bird of Uganda, even featuring on the country's flag and coat of arms. Unfortunately, the species faces threats from habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and illegal capture for trade, placing it on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as Endangered. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this iconic bird and its diminishing habitats.
NOT EVALUATED | DATA DEFICIENT | LEAST CONCERN | NEAR THREATENED | VULNERABLE | ENDANGERED** | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED | EXTINCT IN THE WILD | EXTINCT |
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NE | DD | LC | NT | VU | EN | CR | EW | EX |