East African crowned cranes are the largest of the African cranes. They have a wingspan of 6 ½ to 7 feet. And are the only African cranes that can sit in trees because of an elongated toe used to grasp the branches. Crowned cranes often are seen “dancing,” which includes head bobbing, jumping, tossing grass and sticks, flapping their wings and running around. This is thought to be part of a mating ritual. Crowned cranes will generally mate for life.
Crowned cranes live in both wetlands and grasslands. They will eat grass, seeds, small rodents, insects, small frogs and fish. They also make their nests in the wetlands. One nest will contain between two to five eggs.