Black Crowned-Crane (Balearica pavonina)

The black crowned-crane appears to eat anything it comes across; its feeds on insects such as grasshoppers and flies, millipedes, crabs, amphibians and reptiles (2) (4). It also consumes grass seeds and sometimes grain, and may do some crop damage through its feeding habits (4). Food is normally pecked off the surface, but the black crowned-crane also stamps its feet in an attempt to disturb potential prey hidden in the ground (2). The nest of the black crowned-crane is usually a haphazard pile of nearby vegetation (4). The nesting period generally extends from July to October, when clutches of two to five eggs are laid after an incubation period of 28 to 31 days (2). The nesting territory is guarded closely by the parents, with both the male and female chasing away any other birds that dare to enter the area (6). Shortly after hatching the chicks forage with the parents, and fledge after 60 to 100 days (2). The black crowned-crane does not apparently breed until four years of age (4).

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