Blue Crane

     The Blue Crane, also known as the Stanley Crane and the Paradise Crane, is the national bird of South Africa. They are endemic to southern Africa, with more than 99% of the population occurring there.

     As the common name suggests, the Blue crane is pale blue bird, although it can appear grey from a distance. It is a medium-sized Crane with a large head, a thick neck and beautiful elongated wing feathers. The Blue crane doesn’t have bare patches like other crane species, instead it has head feathers that can be erected when excited or during aggressive encounters.

     Nesting occurs during summer, usually from September to February, and the typical nesting site is secluded grassland at high elevations. The Blue crane occasionally nests in wetlands, in which case a platform nest of reeds is constructed. The female lays usually 2 eggs per clutch, and incubates them for 30 to 33 days. Young Blue cranes become fully fledged after three to five months.

     Blue Cranes undertake local migrations, moving to lower elevations in autumn and winter with their chicks. Flocking is known to occur throughout the year but is more common during the winter when large flocks of several hundred birds form.

 

Place of originSouth Africa
UsePreservation
WeightAverage: 5.1 kg
Egg colorLight-brown with random red large dots

 

6 3 - Blue Crane
The Blue Crane
7 - Blue Crane
The Blue Crane by Josh More
3919329832 55a4d5e987 b - Blue Crane
A Blue Crane chick by South African Tourism