The black crowned crane (Balearica pavonina), distinguished by its dark grey to blackish body and neck, occurs in dry savannah in Africa south of the Sahara, although in nests in somewhat wetter habitats. It feeds on a mix of seeds, fruit, small amphibians and lizards. Its biggest threat is loss of habitat, due to drainage of the wetlands and conversion for agriculture. Consequently it is classed as vulnerable. There are two sub species: Balearica pavonina pavonina is found in sub-Saharan West Africa, from Senegambia to Chad; Balearica pavonina ceciliae occurs in sub-Saharan Africa too, but from Chad to Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya, and is pictured here.
