Stanley or Blue Crane
Anthropoides paradisea
WILD STATUS
Threatened. Low numbers, possibly down to a few hundred in South Africa and Namibia
Threatened. Low numbers, possibly down to a few hundred in South Africa and Namibia
DISTRIBUTION
South Africa and Namibia
SIZE
Height 1.2m (4’) tall
Weight 5kg (11 lbs)
HABITAT
Open dry grassland
REPRODUCTION
Eggs are laid in clutches of 2-3 and are incubated for 30-33 days
Eggs are laid in clutches of 2-3 and are incubated for 30-33 days
DIET
Insects, frogs and crabs as well as seeds from grasses and sedges
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- National bird of South Africa, named after famed British explorer of Stanley and Livingston fame.
- Also called Blue Crane.
- Not having any camouflage, these birds are very exposed sitting on their nests. Their success lies in their alertness. They can be seen sitting on the nest from more than a km. away, but they will have seen you first. By the time you get near the nest, the adults will be a few metres away and it is very difficult to find the nest.
- Raising of the feathers around the neck is a threat display.
- Dancing is mainly a courtship display. It can also be used to express aggression, relieve tension and to strengthen the pair bond.
- These birds have extremely sharp beaks and are very adept at using them for defense.
HABITAT RANGE
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
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