| Range: |
Eastern and southern Africa |
| Habitat: |
Swamps, marshes, reedbeds |
| Conservation Status: |
Threatened |
| Scientific Name: |
Bugeranus carunculatus |
The wattled crane is named for the twin flaps of feathered skin (or
wattles) hanging from each side of its throat. This large bird lives in
shallow wetlands, where it digs in the mud for plants, insects, snakes
and frogs. Both males and females cooperate in building a grass nest,
sitting on the egg and raising their single chick. Wetland draining has
made this the most threatened crane species.
Did You Know?
During nesting season a pair of wattled cranes defends a territory of more than 200 acres.
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