East African Crowned Crane

Posted by: Aamir

Nov 15th, 2006 • Category: Eye CandyTags: ,

The East African Crowned Crane is a very striking bird and gets its name from the distinctive golden “crown” of feathers on its head. They are found in the marshes, cultivated lands and grassy flatlands near rivers and lakes in eastern Congo, Uganda, and Kenya to central Tanzania.

The crowned crane is the most primitive of the living cranes. Primitive species of crowned cranes date back in the fossil record to the Eocene period. Archaeologists discovered that at least eleven species of crowned cranes once existed in Europe and North America (approx 38 million years ago). Because crowned cranes are not cold hardy, it is believed they died out in these areas as the earth cooled, and only survived in warmer Africa.

They are social and gregarious during most of the year, living in pairs or family parties and congregating in flocks of up to 100 birds. Their diet consists of plants, seeds, grain, insects, frogs, worms, snakes, small fish and the eggs of water animals. They stamp as they walk, flushing out insects to eat! The cranes spend 50 to 75% of their time foraging for food!

All cranes are noted for their spectacular dances which involve head-bobbing, wing fluttering, leaps and bows. Both sexes dance, and juvenlie birds join the adults. Dancing is an integral part of courtship, but also may be done at any time of the year. Some African natives believe the cranes bring rain and others incorporate the crane dances into their own rituals.

This is the only crane to perch in trees, with a partiality for solitary trees that afford a wide view. They fly with neck extended forward and legs stretched horizontally behind the tail, except in cold weather when they tuck their feet under their breast feathers.

Although the species remains common over much of its historic range, it faces widespread and increasing threats to its habitat, particularly in the species stronghold of east Africa due to drainage, livestock overgrazing, and heavy pesticide applications. Other threats to its existence and survival include hunting and live-trapping.


    



Posted by: Aamir

Nov 15th, 2006 • Category: Eye CandyTags: ,
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  1. Lord Boo
    November 15th, 2006 at 09:44:

    1

    Gorgeous pics, bro ! love the pic of its profile ! lovely eyes it’s got ! nice info too *hugs* we plan to go to the Marwell zoo near home sometime; will try taking pics, but bet they would be nowhere as good 😀

  2. Anonymous
    November 15th, 2006 at 10:20:

    2

    Gold, silver and precious stones.

  3. Suji
    November 15th, 2006 at 13:10:

    3

    Great pics as usual. The crane looks majestic with the crown on its head.

  4. Joel Reynolds
    November 15th, 2006 at 13:34:

    4

    Hey, Ari
    Nice work! Awesome detail and colour. Well done.
    Joel

  5. LE MOSQUITO
    November 15th, 2006 at 18:35:

    5

    Es impresionante la expresión de los ojos en éste ave. Esos párpados caídos están en perfecta consonancia con su arrogante aspecto y actitud. La fotografía, una vez más: perfecta.
    Thank by your pictures an by your visit to my small, very small blog.

  6. Anonymous
    November 16th, 2006 at 07:22:

    6

    Wow! these birds are beautiful creatures! thier head gear reminds me of the dancing girls in Las Vegas. 🙂

  7. Anonymous
    November 16th, 2006 at 08:48:

    7

    beautiful…. love it! thumb ups to you!

  8. Robyn
    November 16th, 2006 at 14:12:

    8

    Beautiful photos Ari,

    It amazes me how close you get to these birds! I love the detail of the crown and the gorgeous colors.

    Take care!
    Robyn

  9. samuru999
    November 16th, 2006 at 15:36:

    9

    Hi Ari
    I just had to come by, and tell you how much I love this post!
    It’s just beautiful!

    Thank you!

    Margie:)

  10. Kimberley
    November 16th, 2006 at 15:43:

    10

    wow …what a vividly colorful picture of beauty! Its so clear it all most looks like a painting!

  11. --Sunrise--
    November 16th, 2006 at 18:53:

    11

    no!! i mean, wow! you are one gooooood photographer… i was going to ask you if all these pics are the ones you have taken… amd then i read the red print on the sidebar… lovely lovley pics, really!

    maybe one day, i shall be as good… lol.

  12. Reflex
    November 16th, 2006 at 22:37:

    12

    Beautiful and sharp pictures of this bird unknown for me until now 🙂

  13. Keshi
    November 17th, 2006 at 03:51:

    13

    beautiful n rare looking bird but it sure has a wicked face 🙁

    Keshi.

  14. Corinne
    November 17th, 2006 at 09:03:

    14

    Stunning bird! I’m awed by the detail and the textures. Nice work Ari 🙂

  15. Perception
    November 17th, 2006 at 20:16:

    15

    quelle élégance, this bird, how nature can be so beautyful!!!!!!!!

  16. Anonymous
    November 18th, 2006 at 00:16:

    16

    hmmm .. great high resolution pictures .. he does have the attitude of a king, in his eyes and facial features. And african .. yes .. because of various colors on him, symbolizing the african culture (they wear colors on their faces and all)

  17. Gangadhar
    November 18th, 2006 at 05:40:

    17

    So beautiful birds,Ari..are they such beautiful in real really? Well taken..and nice info too..
    And thanks for your link on those trees.. 🙂

    take care

  18. Arz000n
    November 18th, 2006 at 15:21:

    18

    That bird sure has a golden crown which looks magnificent 🙂

    Thanks for sharing all this info with us…

  19. Rauf
    November 18th, 2006 at 15:33:

    19

    Terrific pictures Aamir, excellent detail. never heard of these.

  20. Anonymous
    November 20th, 2006 at 03:22:

    20

    They are just striking and gorgeous. Thanks for those detailed info’ ari:-))

  21. photowannabe
    November 20th, 2006 at 21:27:

    21

    Beautiful, regal birds. The colors are spectacular. Just having returned from las Vegas I also agree that the headcombs do look like Showgirl Costume feathers.

  22. Anonymous
    November 22nd, 2006 at 06:36:

    22

    Simply superb…Your blog always make me go awwwww…

  23. Anonymous
    November 26th, 2006 at 15:05:

    23

    Ari: HB to you and save a slice of cake ok.

  24. Nida
    November 30th, 2006 at 10:48:

    24

    crap!
    they’re soooo prettty!!!
    thanks for sharing 🙂

  25. arvindh
    November 30th, 2006 at 18:01:

    25

    VEry beautiful!




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