grey crowned-crane

The grey crowned crane is a striking bird, approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall, with a wingspan of about 2 meters (6.6 feet). It features a grey body, white wings with feathers ranging from white to brown to gold, and a distinctive crown of stiff golden feathers atop its head. The face has white cheeks with a bright red inflatable throat pouch, and the legs are long and black, adapted for wading through grasses. Unlike other crane species, it possesses a long hind toe, enabling it to roost in trees. Grey crowned cranes are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant and animal matter, including seeds, insects, small vertebrates, and crops. They are known for their elaborate courtship dances involving bows, jumps, and calls. Monogamous pairs build nests in wetlands, laying 2–5 eggs per clutch. Chicks are precocial, able to run shortly after hatching, and fledge within 56–100 days.