File:Wattled cranes standing in distant grass - DPLA - 64cff3016760faa9e5483ced671a2829.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Gruiformes; Family: Gruidae; Genus: Bugeranus; Genus species: Bugeranus caruncalatus. Animal characteristics: Identification: The wattled crane has two white-feathered wattles on either side of its bill. Its neck is long and white, and the wings and back are gray. The bird's undersides are black; Habitat: Shallow wetlands; Diet: Omnivore: aquatic vegetation, seeds, insects, grain; Reproduction: Each year, breeding pairs return to their favorite breeding spots. They usually lay one egg, but may have two, which are then incubated for 40 days. Fledging occurs when the chick is 100 days old; Social Structure: Wattled cranes gather in small flocks when they are not breeding; Behavior: There always seems to be one wattled crane watching and looking out; they will even watch a herd of cattle if nothing else is moving; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: This is the largest crane species in Africa. It also has the longest incubation period of all cranes.