Habitat: Dry Grasslands of Southern Africa
Status: Vulnerable
DAK Locale: Kidani Village
The Blue crane is also known as the Stanley crane and is the national bird of South Africa. Among cranes, it is relatively small. It is also fairly obvious how it got its name. The bird is a light blue color which is darkest along the neck and back, where other areas are nearly white in coloration. Long wingtip feathers can touch the ground.
They generally live in dry upland areas that have access to wetlands. Feeding occurs almost exclusively in the drier areas of its range. Food is mostly insects but can include snails, frogs and small reptiles. Of all the cranes, it is the most limited in distribution being found almost only in South Africa.
These birds are not overtly social. However, dominant males are at the top of the hierarchy. Males will dance to attract females, flinging objects and leaping into the air. Both males and females will incubate eggs, which usually number two in a clutch. The young are able to walk within two days and swim shortly thereafter.
It is believed there are about 26,000 birds left in the wild. It is no longer seen in parts of its historic range. The decline of the species is partly due to human hunting and habitat loss. It is currently listed as Vulnerable.
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