The Grey Crowned Crane  is the national bird for Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

These spectacular birds and are the only cranes that can roost in trees, because of a long hind toe that can grasp branches.

The Grey Crowned Crane has a breeding display involving dancing, bowing, and jumping. It has a booming call which involves inflation of the red gular sac and makes a honking sound quite different from the trumpeting of other crane species.

The nest is a platform of grass and other plants in tall wetland vegetation. The Grey Crowned Crane lays a clutch of 2-5 eggs. Incubation is performed by both sexes and lasts 28–31 days. Chicks fledge at 56–100 days.

The Grey Crowned Crane is about 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and weighs 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs). Its body plumage is mainly grey. The wings are also predominantly white, but contain feathers with a range of colours. The head has a crown of stiff golden feathers. The sides of the face are white, and there is a bright red inflatable throat pouch. The bill is relatively short and grey, and the legs are black. The sexes are similar, although males tend to be slightly larger. Young birds are greyer than adults, with a feathered buff face.

it feeds on insects and other invertebrates, reptiles, small mammals, as well as grass seeds.

The Grey Crowned Crane faces major threats to its habitat due to drainage, overgrazing, and pesticide pollution.

Conservation status - Vulnerable

These large beautiful birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -

Aves Eastern Cape Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves Highlands/Tembe Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves KZN Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure