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Anthropoides paradiseus
Tall, ground-dwelling bird, but is fairly small by the standards of the crane family. It is 100–120 cm tall, with a wingspan of 180–200 cm. This was a group of 7. I dont think it is a common sight anymore.
In a field next to the highway in a semi desert area.
This is the National bird of South Africa!
Spotted on Jan 6, 2014
Submitted on Feb 26, 2014
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18 Comments
Thanks Herb, they are endangered. Sadly over a 100 dead cranes was discovered recently, they had been poisoned by a farmer.
amazing!!!! never seem before!!!!
Thank you Leanne and Scot!
Beautiful!
(I'm sorry, I have to comment again). These cranes are quintessentially elegant!
Thank you Alice and Mona!
Cool bird !! Thanks to sharing Smith Zoo :)
Nice Series!
Thanks Adarsha!
Nice series :)
Thanks Antonio, Scott, dotun55, Hema and kdpicturemaker for the kind compliments. There was actually 9 birds roaming on this open field not seven as I said first. It was really thrilling to see so many together!
Great series Smith Zoo,beautiful pics#,we feel that's AFRICA :-)congrats and thanks for sharing
A gorgeous portrait and series.
Nice nature image!
The feathers of the crown and forehead are light grayish white, while the cheeks, ear coverts and nape are dark ashy gray, which they raise (or fluff) during threat displays, producing a distinctive cobra-like look.
https://www.savingcranes.org/blue-crane....
Beautiful & interesting bird. Lovely observations.
That's true Viv, almost cobra like...
Nice series! They have an interesting head shape!