- Origin: Africa
- Class: Birds
- Order: Gruiformes
- Family: Gruidés
It generally lives on the ground, but often perches on dead trees in small groups. It feeds on insects, reptiles, small mammals and plants. Royal Cranes live around forty years, in couples and remains faithful.
The nest is generally made of reeds in marshes and the female usually lays 2 eggs. During the breeding season, the cranes perform spectacular dances, shaking their heads and making great leaps.
This species is threatened in West Africa because its habitat has been degraded or even destroyed.
UICN Status : near threatened (Appendix II)