Wattled crane – facts, diet and habitat
The wattled crane is named after the white wattles dangling from its throat.
WATTLED cranes are vulnerable birds with a global population of only 8 000. South Africa is fortunate to have about 2 000 of this species, with the bulk being in the KZN midlands.
More groups are found along the belt above the eastern escarpment.
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They like midland to high marshes, vleis and moist grasslands where they feed on small reptiles, frogs, insects, grain, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and small mammals.
These cranes are usually in pairs or small groups of up to 40 birds. They are shy and wary, and reluctant to fly, usually walking slowly away from danger. Foraging is done while wading in shallow water or walking through adjacent grass veld.
They are usually silent, but have a loud “kwaarnk” sound and low tone jabbering calls when feeding. Breeding takes place in all months of the year.
The nest is a large flattened heap of plant material in a swamp surrounded by a moat of water or on a small islet. Two pale pinkish buff or biscuit coloured eggs are laid, but only one young is reared. Incubation lasts for 39 to 40 days, the fledging period is 16 to 18 weeks and first flight is at 21 weeks.
The isiZulu name is uBhamukwe and in Afrikaans die lelkraanvoel.
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