Kenya: Masai Mara – African Crowned Cranes
One of the most spectacular birds in Africa is the magnificent African Crowned Crane (also known as Grey Crowned Crane). They are over 3 feet tall and have a wingspan of over 6 feet. They are quite common in dry African savanna and often seen dancing and playing in a breeding display. The most spectacular part of the cranes body is the head with colorful black/red/white tones and a crown of golden feathers on top sticking in all directions. Of the 15 crane species, the crowned cranes are the most ancient, predating their other relatives by tens of millions of years. Also, it’s the national bird of the neighboring Uganda.
