Page 19 - Cornwall Issue 4 2025
P. 19
THE BIG PICTURE
BLUE CRANE
BL OUKR AANV OËL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WWW.IVANMULLERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
outh Africa’s graceful national bird, where two eggs are typically laid.
the Blue Crane, is found primarily
Sin the grasslands of the Eastern and They feed on a varied diet of seeds,
Western Cape, southern Mpumalanga, and insects and small reptiles, often foraging
parts of the Karoo. This elegant bird stands in cultivated fields. While adaptable,
out with its silvery-blue plumage, long they are highly sensitive to habitat
trailing wing plumes, and dignified gait. disturbance.
Blue Cranes are monogamous and Classified as vulnerable, the Blue Crane
often form lifelong pairs. Their elaborate faces threats from agricultural expansion,
courtship displays - featuring energetic poisoning, power line collisions and
dancing, jumping and bowing - are a human encroachment. Conservation
highlight of the breeding season. Nests efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of
are simple scrapes in open grasslands, this iconic species.
Cornwall View • Issue 4 2025 17
