Grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum)

The Grey crowned crane is unlikely to be confused with any other species. This is a large, mostly grey bird with large white wing patches, a distinctive spiky straw-coloured crest, black head with white cheeks, and a bright red throat wattle. The back plumes, which overlay the white wing patch, are golden and contrast with the dark brown tail.

The population numbers of this species in South Africa have been estimated at between 2 500 to 4 200 birds. The majority of these cranes (> 50%) are located in KwaZulu-Natal. Grey crowned crane (as with other 2 crane species) require wetlands in which to breed, and large areas of surrounding grassland, cultivated fields and pastures in which to forage. This species is most often seen in cultivated habitats, and in winter flocks of up to 300 birds may occur together. A very reliable site to see Grey crowned crane is on the border with KZN, and it's the Wakkerstroom Wetland Reserve in Mpumalanga.

The Grey crowned crane has been listed as Vulnerable.

Directions

Wakkerstroom lies on the R543 between Volksrust and Piet Retief. BirdLife SA has a project office on the edge of the town and the wetland, and is an excellent place to find a local bird guide, or to find out where and when the cranes were last spotted. The gravel road that runs behind the BLSA offices to join the tar road over the wetland is a good area to start looking for the cranes.

GPS Coordinates
Description	Latitude	Longitude
Turn-off from R543 to BLSA office	27°21'32.79"S	30°06'47.22"E
Turn-off onto gravel road near BLSA offices	27°21'22.55"S	30°06'18.51"E
Turn-off onto gravel road near bridge	27°20'21.29"S	30°08'34.83"E