This bird is the Blue Crane!

Blue Cranes (Anthropoides paradiseus), also known as Stanley Cranes or Paradise Cranes, are a medium-sized species of crane found mainly in southern Africa (though small populations are known to exist elsewhere). These birds have been housed at the Houston Zoo with several of our large hoofed animals including nyala antelope and okapi. Like most cranes, these birds readily establish monogamous pairs through elaborate displays. Also like most cranes, these large birds can become quite defensive during the breeding season and are more than capable of defending their offspring. 

The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) classifies these birds as Vulnerable, with population estimates ranging between 15,000 – 25,000 individuals. Most of this population loss can be attributed to human development of native grasslands where these birds would feed on a variety of vegetation and small animals.

The Blue Crane is recognized as the national bird of South Africa, a designation reinforced by the fact that nearly the entire population of this majestic species occurs within the country. In spite of this prestige, Blue Cranes (like the majority of crane species) face a number of threats including loss of habitat and poaching.

Photograph by Leigh Spencer

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