Fun Fact
They dance for fun – and for the young to develop physical and social skills!
Diet & Habitat
They are omnivores and, due to their short beaks, their diet consists of seeds and insects. Found in Western Africa, Senegal, Gambia and Ethiopia. They inhabit marshlands, grasslands and swamps.
Eggs
The female will lay 2–4 eggs in nests of vegetation located on the ground or in shallow waters. The eggs are incubated for between 29–31 days. Shortly after hatching, the chicks will forage with the parents.
Lifespan
They have an average lifespan of 30 years in captivity. In the wild it would be slightly less.
The Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) is one of the smallest cranes out of the 15 species, and is the only crane species known to roost up in trees.
Behaviour: The Black Crowned Crane’s breeding display involves dancing, bowing and jumping. They use vocal calls for breeding that are usually loud bugle-like calls. These cranes do not pair for life, but they will both raise the young together.
More of our animals you may like to meet
Park News
Christmas gift ideas
If you love Beale Wildlife Park and want to give your nearest and dearest something a bit different this Christmas, we have some ideas that will also enable you to support our work as an animal and...
Adopt an animal … in a tin
Our animal adoption tins make a perfect gift - a neat way of supporting the particular Beale animals that you love while also backing our wider conservation work. You (or your loved one) can select...
Pop in and play
Pop in this winter for an exciting play session! Pop up Play Village Reading will be joining us for two very special weekends. Both are included in your entry price (or membership) - pre-booking...
