File:Three Grey Crowned Cranes - DPLA - 807a82742cb081537b8c763f2bc3bea9.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Gruiformes; Family: Gruidae; Genus: Balearica; Genus species: Balearica regulorum. Animal characteristics: Height: 110-130 cm; Weight: 3-4 kg; Identification: The Grey Crowned Crane has long legs and neck, a straight bill, a bare pink or red cheek patch, and a golden feathery crown on its head; Habitat: Open marshlands, grasslands, swamps, wet plains or prairies; Diet: Herbivore: grass, seeds; Reproduction: The female lays 2-4 eggs every breeding season, which are incubated for 28-36 days. Both parents help care for the hatchlings. Cranes can live up to 25 years in captivity; Social Structure: Most cranes are highly gregarious. They migrate in large flocks and are usually found in pairs or small family parties; Behavior: Unlike other crane species, the Grey Crowned Crane can roost in trees. Mating pairs perform courtship dances throughout the year (not just during the breeding season); Status: Threatened: habitat loss, poisoning, illegal capture for zoos and private menageries; Interesting Facts: With their slow rate of reproduction, cranes are among the longest-lived birds, with 50 years not being unusual. This particular crane species most closely resembles crane ancestors.