Balearica regulorum gibbericeps

(Reichenow, 1892)

Vernacular names
English : Grey crowned-crane
French : Grue royale

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Gruiformes
Family : Gruidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known

Identification
Adults can reach a body size of 110 cm and a weight of 4 kg. Bright yellow raised crown on nape. Plumage light grey on neck, darker on back with white wings and brown tail. Subspecies with lots of red on upper and lower cheeks.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in central and south-east Africa. This subspecies occurs from Uganda and Kenya to north Zimbabwe and north Mozambique. Lives in shallow wetlands, marshes, wet grasslands, pastures and irrigated areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : This subspecies is the most abundant African crane. The species is highly endangered because of loss of habitat due to agriculture and egg collection.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation
Tierpark Hagenbeck (Germany)

 

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