Grey Crowned Crane: Uganda's National Bird
The grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) holds the honour of being Uganda's national bird and appears on the Ugandan national flag and coat of arms. With its golden crown, red gular pouch, white and red face and elegant dancing displays, the grey crowned crane is one of Africa's most beautiful birds and a common sight across Uganda's open habitats.
Habitat and Distribution in Uganda
Grey crowned cranes are found throughout Uganda in open grasslands, wetland margins, cultivated areas and lake shores. They are most conspicuous in western Uganda — common around Lake Victoria shores, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth wetlands, Kazinga Channel margins and the agricultural areas of the Rift Valley. Pairs and family groups of 3 to 5 birds feed in open grassland in the mornings and roost communally in tall trees near wetlands at night.
Breeding Behaviour and Dancing Displays
Grey crowned cranes are famous for their elaborate dancing displays — pairs leap, bow, spread wings and bugle loudly during courtship. Displays occur year-round but are most intense during breeding (usually October to January in Uganda). The nest is a large platform of vegetation built in shallow water or at the edge of papyrus swamps.
Conservation Status
The grey crowned crane is classified as Endangered. Its population has declined significantly across Africa due to wetland drainage, capture for the pet trade and use in traditional medicine. Uganda remains one of the strongholds — responsible eco-tourism and wetland protection in Uganda is critical for the species' survival. See crowned cranes on virtually every Uganda birding tour.