# Grey Crowned Crane

> The grey crowned crane is Uganda's national bird and appears on the national flag. It is a tall grey crane with a crown of stiff golden feathers, found in wetlands and open grassland in and around Murchison Falls. It is classed as Endangered.

Source: https://nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/grey-crowned-crane

Bird · Resident

*Balearica regulorum*

## In brief

The grey crowned crane is Uganda's national bird and appears on the national flag. It is a tall grey crane with a crown of stiff golden feathers, found in wetlands and open grassland in and around Murchison Falls. It is classed as Endangered.

## How to identify the grey crowned crane

Grey body, white wing patches, white cheeks with a red patch above, a red throat wattle and a crown of golden bristles. Sexes look alike.

## Where to see the grey crowned crane in Murchison Falls National Park

In wet grassland and at the edges of swamps on game drives, and sometimes on open ground near villages outside the park.

## Habitat

Marshes, wet grassland and open savanna close to water; it also feeds on farmland.

## What the grey crowned crane eats

Seeds, grass tips, insects, frogs and other small animals. It stamps its feet as it walks to flush insects.

## Behaviour

Pairs dance by bowing, jumping and spreading their wings, at any time of year. Unlike most cranes, crowned cranes can perch and roost in trees.

## Best time to see the grey crowned crane

All year. Resident, here all year.

Last reviewed 7 October 2026. Further reading: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_crowned_crane).

## At a glance

- **Scientific name**: Balearica regulorum
- **Family**: Gruidae (cranes)
- **Also called**: Crested crane
- **Presence**: Resident, here all year
- **Best time to see it**: All year
- **Chance of seeing it**: Often seen
- **Size**: About 1 m tall; wingspan about 2 m
- **Conservation status**: Endangered (IUCN Red List)

Seen on

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Or call [Whatsapp: +256 757 363362 Landline: +256 776 938 933](tel:+256757363362+256776938933)

## Questions about the grey crowned crane

### What is the national bird of Uganda?

The grey crowned crane, also called the crested crane. It stands in the centre of the Ugandan flag.

### Is the grey crowned crane endangered?

Yes. It is listed as Endangered, mainly because wetlands are being drained and birds and eggs are taken from the wild.

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Nile Safari Lodge, Southern bank of the River Nile, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Telephone Whatsapp: +256 757 363362              Landline: +256 776 938 933. Email info@nilesafarilodge.com. Reservations: https://nilesafarilodge.com/contact