African Fowl, Crowned Crane

The crowned crane refers to African crowned cranes, including gray crowned cranes and black crowned cranes, native to wetlands and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. Mature males usually weigh about 7–9 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, often about 6–8 pounds. They have long legs, gray or dark bodies depending on species, white and black wing markings, red facial patches, and a distinctive golden crown of stiff feathers. Crowned cranes are elegant, social birds known for dancing displays and loud calls. In the United States, they have been kept in zoos, wildlife parks, and specialized aviaries since the early 20th century.