The Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) is one of the smallest cranes out of the 15 species, and is the only crane species known to roost up in trees.
Habitat: The Black Crowned Crane is found in Western Africa, Senegal, Gambia and Ethiopia. They inhabit marshlands, grasslands and swamps.
Lifespan: They have an average lifespan of 30 years in captivity. In the wild it would be slightly less.
Diet: They are omnivores and, due to their short beaks, their diet consists of seeds and insects.
Behaviour: The Black Crowned Crane’s breeding display involves dancing, bowing and jumping. They use vocal calls for breeding that are usually loud bugle-like calls. These cranes do not pair for life, but they will both raise the young together. The female will lay 2 – 4 eggs in nests of vegetation located on the ground or in shallow waters. The eggs are incubated for between 29 – 31 days. Shortly after hatching, the chicks will forage with the parents.
They dance for fun - and for the young to develop physical and social skills!
The Park is now closed. Please keep an eye on our website news section and via our social media sites for updates on the animals during lockdown and through the winter.
