WATTLED CRANE
DESCRIPTION
The Wattled Crane is a large, elegant bird known for its distinctive wattles hanging from its throat. It is primarily found in wetlands and grasslands of Africa, where it is often seen foraging in shallow waters.
FUN FACTS
- Wattled Cranes can live for over 20 years in the wild | They are known for their elaborate mating dances | Their wattles can grow quite large and are used in displays
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-30 years in the wild
Average Weight4-6 kg
Average Length1.2-1.4 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structurepair, often seen in mated pairs during breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- Wattled Cranes inhabit wetlands, marshes, and grasslands, often near water sources. They require open areas for foraging and nesting.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Grassland
- Native Range
- Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in countries with extensive wetlands.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania
- Diet
- Wattled Cranes primarily feed on plant material, including seeds, tubers, and aquatic vegetation. They may also consume small invertebrates occasionally.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- seeds, tubers, aquatic plants
- Social Structure
- pair, often seen in mated pairs during breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
VU
4-6 kg
Weight
1.2-1.4 m
Length
- Coloration
- primarily gray with black and white markings, and red facial skin
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally larger than females
- Lifespan
- 20-30 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-2
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable but faces threats from habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 10,000-15,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agriculture and drainage of wetlands. Additionally, hunting poses a risk in some areas.
- Predators
- large birds of prey, foxes
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their size and ability to fly to escape predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon