The Sister Species Of The Grey Crowned Crane

[Sphenisciologist]

So, I’m pretty sure we’re all familiar with the Grey Crowned Crane, right? Well yeah, it’s kind of a popular animal among zoo fanatics like myself and most likely you. Well, today I found out that the Grey Crowned Crane has a sister species, the Black Crowned Crane!

Similarities
These two cranes are almost identical in appearance. In fact, they mainly just have different color shades. They have a very similar scientific name. Both are found in Africa, however the Black Crowned Crane is more common in West Africa rather than the East.

Just to give you an idea, the Black Crowned Crane’s base feathers are much more dark black than grey, they have a darker head and have red cheeks.

Black Crowned Cranes are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Grey Crowned Cranes are endangered.

I just honestly thought this species was really cool. Grey Crowned Cranes used to be my favorite of the cranes, but I think Black Crowned Cranes have taken that spot (or they’re tied idk).

 

[Thomas]

Some zoos like the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the Los Angeles Zoo where I volunteer at have both species.

 

[Zoovolunteer]

Zootierliste has 13 European institutions holding this species at the moment - none in the UK alas.

 

[Maguari]

Zootierliste has 13 European institutions holding this species at the moment - none in the UK alas.

Most listings are under the nominate form, B. p. pavonina - there are another 50 holdings (including 8 in the UK) listed there: ZootierlisteHomepage

 

[Maguari]

So, I’m pretty sure we’re all familiar with the Grey Crowned Crane, right? Well yeah, it’s kind of a popular animal among zoo fanatics like myself and most likely you. Well, today I found out that the Grey Crowned Crane has a sister species, the Black Crowned Crane!

Not sure exactly where you are in the States, but on my last trip to the US in 2013 I saw the species at Brevard Zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom and St. Augustine Alligator Farm - so they ought to still be about.

 

[FBBird]

So, I’m pretty sure we’re all familiar with the Grey Crowned Crane, right? Well yeah, it’s kind of a popular animal among zoo fanatics like myself and most likely you. Well, today I found out that the Grey Crowned Crane has a sister species, the Black Crowned Crane!

Similarities
These two cranes are almost identical in appearance. In fact, they mainly just have different color shades. They have a very similar scientific name. Both are found in Africa, however the Black Crowned Crane is more common in West Africa rather than the East.

Just to give you an idea, the Black Crowned Crane’s base feathers are much more dark black than grey, they have a darker head and have red cheeks.

Black Crowned Cranes are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Grey Crowned Cranes are endangered.

I just honestly thought this species was really cool. Grey Crowned Cranes used to be my favorite of the cranes, but I think Black Crowned Cranes have taken that spot (or they’re tied idk).

There are other differences than colour. Grey Crowned Cranes have a prominent throat wattle that Black Crowned don’t have.

 

[Sphenisciologist]

Not sure exactly where you are in the States, but on my last trip to the US in 2013 I saw the species at Brevard Zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom and St. Augustine Alligator Farm - so they ought to still be about.

My home zoo has Grey Crowned Cranes but not Black Crowned Cranes.

 

[Sarus Crane]

Not sure exactly where you are in the States, but on my last trip to the US in 2013 I saw the species at Brevard Zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom and St. Augustine Alligator Farm - so they ought to still be about.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm still has Black Crowned Cranes. DAK's Kilimanjaro Safaris has some in an exhibit in the queue and that was actually my favorite part of the ride because they are one of my favorite species!

 

[Great Argus]

Plenty of holders across the US, see the list below.

Black-crowned Crane (34-35 holders)

African Safari Wildlife Park
Audubon
Alexandria
Binder Park
Birmingham
Brevard
Columbus
Dallas
Denver?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Ellen Trout
Fort Wayne
International Crane Foundation
Lehigh Valley
Los Angeles
Louisiana Purchase Gardens
Maryland
Memphis
Montgomery
Natural Encounters
Naples
Omaha
Potawatomi
Roger Williams Park
Rolling Hills
Roosevelt Park
Sacramento
San Antonio
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Francisco
Sedgwick County
St Augustine Alligator Farm
Tracy Aviary
Zoo Boise
Zoo Miami