Location: South AfricaCranes in South AfricaThe beautiful blue crane is South Africa's national birdAmong the most spectacular birds of South Africa are the cranes, most easily spotted in wetlands - although the wattled crane is a lucky find as it is extremely uncommon. The beautiful blue crane is South Africa's national bird; the crowned crane is probably the flashiest of the three with its unmistakable prominent crest.
Blue crane
This elegant crane, that stands about one meter high, is almost entirely restricted to South Africa in its distribution. The blue crane is a light blue-grey, has a long neck supporting a rather bulbous head, long legs and elegant wing plumes which sweep to the ground. It eats seeds, insects and reptiles. Blue cranes lay their eggs in the bare veld, often close to water. They are quite common in the Karoo, but are also seen in the grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal and the highveld, usually in pairs or small family parties.
The blue crane has a distinctive rattling croak, fairly high-pitched at call, which can be heard from far away. It is, however, usually quiet.
The habitat of the blue crane is open grass fields or Karoo-like plains with low shrubby bushes. It likes wet parts and lays its eggs on the ground. It grazes in the field and eats seeds, insects and small reptiles.Accommodation in and around South Africa Hartford House accommodation in South Africa
Home to the family of the last prime minister of the Colony of Natal, Hartford House is situated on South Africa’s most famous thoroughbred farm near Giant’s Castle. Chosen by the Rulers of Dubai as the location for their priceless stalli... More
 Montusi Mountain Lodge accommodation in South Africa
Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi is the only upmarket destination in the area with a full and uninterrupted view of the Drakensberg's most famous part, the Amphitheatre escarpment. Our gu... More
 Valemount Country Lodge accommodation in South Africa
Valemount Country Lodge invites you to a peaceful country breakaway!! A very special place! An exceptional retreat, this gracious country house offers superb accommodation, excellent cuisine and perfect tranquility, along with personal warm... More
 Moorcroft Manor Country House accommodation in South Africa
Situated amidst rolling green hills and breath-taking sunsets on the outskirts of the country village of Himeville, in the Southern Drakensberg. Moorcroft Manor is family owned and operated and prides itself in offering the highest standard of servi... More
 Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse accommodation in South Africa
Having been one of the originators of the Country House movement in the 1980's, Richard and Mouse then travelled overseas working and absorbing the "foodie" world with a view to opening Cleop... More
 Engeleni Lodge & Mayfly Cottage accommodation in South Africa
A soul rejuvenating experience and a wonderfully warm welcome awaits you at this destination. Situated on a working dairy farm called Prosper, nestled in the Kamberg Valley, with sweeping, panoramic views of the Ukhahlumba Drakensburg World Heritage ... More
 Giant's Castle Camp (Giants Castle Game Reserve) accommodation in South Africa
Giant's Castle Game Reserve in the central region of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park takes its name from the silhouette of the peaks and escarpment that resemble the profile of a sleeping giant. Wild flowers of the Drakensberg is the design them... More
 Cathedral Peak Hotel accommodation in South Africa
Discover a paradise of fresh mountain air and exquisite surroundings. Cathedral Peak is renowned for its natural beauty, and the area boasts one of the most popular Drakensberg hotels. From its cosy setting in a quiet valley, visitors look out onto ... More
 My Housy Guest House accommodation in South Africa
My Housy has loads of atmosphere. Relax and enjoy the tranquil setting. Eight luxury en suite rooms with private access and modern conveniences. Each with its own private entrance, also coffee & tea tray, TV s, fans, and electrical blankets plus ... More
 The Nest - Drakensberg Mountain Resort Hotel & Conference Venue accommodation in South Africa
The combination of award winning food, spectacular gardens, wonderful facilities, friendly staff, relaxing accommodation and exquisite views over the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site together with the availability of just about all leisure ... More
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