tall; mostly black plumage except for white on wings (Zoo; 2008-10-21)


Black Crowned Crane
Balearica pavonina

Native Range: Africa

Notes: a spectacular species of savannas of north-central Africa, but usually nesting in wetter areas in that region; no sexual dimorphism; considered an endangered species due to habitat degradation and loss.


showy crown; breast plumes too (Zoo; 2008-10-21)
black crown; straight dark bill (Zoo; 2008-10-21)

adult standing beside a sitting juvenile (Zoo; 2008-10-21)
white-and-red spot on face; white iris; bouffant hairdoo (Zoo; 2008-10-21)

juvenile just starting to get its crown(Zoo; 2008-10-21)
posing for a head portrait (Zoo; 2008-10-21)

in flight; note the mulri-colored wings (Zoo; 2012-09-19)
posing for a backlit head portrait (Zoo; 2012-09-19)