Fun Facts with Angus Burns: The Blue Crane
This lovely bird is frequently observed foraging in our grasslands for plants, insects, amphibians, and reptiles.
Did you know the national bird of South Africa is the Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus)?
This beautiful bird is often seen foraging in our grasslands on various plants, insects, amphibians and reptiles.
They breed between October and March and this is accompanied by a beautiful “dance” to attract a mate for breeding.
The conversion of grasslands habitat, poisoning, illegal hunting and in some cases theft of eggs from their nests has resulted in the Blue Crane being classed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
It is a protected species in South Africa (in fact all of our three crane species are protected) and is a sought after species by birders due to its national significance and beauty.
If you travel through our grassland biome at this time of year, be on the look out for these amazing birds which are currently very active in the landscape.
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