Cranes belong to the order Gruiformes and the family Gruidae. There are 14 species of cranes. Cranes are commonly confused with herons, which they resemble somewhat. Cranes are larger and have a part-naked head, heavier bill, more compact plumage and elevated hind toe.

Cranes frequent marshes and plains, eating a variety of small animals as well as grain and grass shoots. The nest is made of grasses and weed stalks and built on drier ground in a marsh or field. There are usually two olive-grey eggs, spotted with brown (4 x 2-1/2"). The same nest is often used year after year. After hatching, the brownish, downy young are able to run about.

Crowned Cranes (Balearica pavonina) are three feet all and have powerful, booming voices. The crown is thin but stiff and strawlike in adults; smaller and not well formed in the young. They eat insects and reptiles and have been tamed and kept in gardens for this purpose. Native to Africa, they live in marshy areas and build bulky nests on the ground. In areas where the wetlands are drained, they are becoming rare.

The plush toy African Crowned Crane shown above is named Nia and is part of the Douglas Cuddle Toy collection. Check out Jeannie's Cottage LLC for this African Crowned Crane toy.

Class: Aves | Order: Gruiformes | Family: Gruidae | Genus: Balearica | Species: B. pavonina

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