Black Crowned-Crane

Balearica pavonina

Overview

The Black Crowned-crane (Balearica pavonina) is a species of crane (family Gruidae) in the order Gruiformes of bird (class Aves).

Description

A beautiful distinctive crane. Mostly black body, large red cheek patches and a golden crown of stiff feathers on its head. Males are larger but otherwise indistinguishable from the females.

Range

Found in both wetland habitats and dry fields or grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa.