Distribution. They will lay their eggs in higher elevations of grasslands and they lay their eggs on dry ground or in grass. The Blue Crane is a bird of dry grasslands and other upland habitats. Strong populations are found in the Overberg region in the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and western KwaZulu-Natal, and in southern parts of Mpumalanga. Females usually lay only 2 eggs with an incubation period of 30-33 days. The blue crane stands about 3.5 inches and has an average wingspan of 6 ft 4 in. Endangered birds are those facing extinction, and South Africa is home to some of these very special species, which are always incredible to spot in their natural habitat. Birds are poetry. It is the world’s most range-restricted crane. Blue Crane are endemic to southern Africa, with more than 99% of the population occurring within South Africa. These birds prefer dry grasslands and shallow waters. The grasslands and wetlands of South Africa are prime areas for bird watchers to catch a glimpse of some endangered bird species like the Blue Crane and the African Black Oystercatcher. Make an online donation to help BirdLife South Africa conserve its country’s birds and their habitats. Donations to BirdLife South Africa may contribute to your B-BBEE scorecard as we are fully SED compliant in terms of the B-BBEE Act. South Africa is known the world around for its abundance of wildlife, not least of all its many birds. Educating landowners, doing intense research and managing habitats for the Blue Crane have become a priority for South Africa to ensure the survival of their heritage and national bird. Blue cranes eat waste grains, seeds of … The government of South Africa has taken note of these numbers and due to the Blue Crane being a national bird, its protection is now of the highest importance. The Blue Crane is a near-endemic to South Africa with a small isolated population of about 60-80 birds found around the Etosha Pans in Namibia and a few isolated birds in Botswana and Swaziland. Often spotted in farmland roadsides, the Crane’s metallic-blue sheen makes this one of the most exquisite birds in the country. African Birds 10 - Blue Crane, South Africa: The elegant blue crane is the national bird of South Africa. In fact, there is an established avi-tourism industry that invites birding enthusiasts from all over the world to indulge in top-class bird-watching. South Africa's Endangered Bird Species. The blue crane is the national bird of South Africa. It is South Africa’s national bird. The national bird of South Africa, the Blue Crane, is endemic to southern Africa with most of its range falling in South Africa. Cranes are a family, the Gruidae, of large, long-legged, and long-necked birds in the group Gruiformes.The 15 species of cranes are placed in 3 genera, Antigone, Balearica, and Grus.Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back.Cranes live on all continents except Antarctica and South America. We've had a very special Blue Crane that has observed us riding for quite a few years .he is now fondly known as Rodger! Where shallow wetlands are available, Blue Cranes will roost and feed in them. South Africa is home to three species of crane: the Blue Crane, the Grey Crowned Crane, and the Wattled Crane, all of which are threatened. We are also a registered Public Benefit Organisation (No. Jackpot Birding Win a birding trip for TWO PEOPLE to Brazil worth R100 000 Bird of the Year 2020 Learn More IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT BIRDLIFE SOUTH AFRICA OFFICE CLOSURE Due to Covid-19 and to help prevent BirdLife South Africa's staff, members, volunteers, and indeed the public from contracting the virus (and to help limit the spread of the virus), our offices will be closed with immediate effect.