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The Wattled Crane (Grus carunculata) stands as the largest crane in Africa and the second tallest crane species globally. With a stature ranging from 150 to 175 cm, it is also the tallest flying bird native to Africa, surpassed only by the ostrich. The wingspan of this impressive bird stretches between 230 to 260 cm. Adult Wattled Cranes exhibit a striking ashy gray back and wings, with a dark slate gray feathered head above the eyes and crown. The breast, primaries, secondaries, and tail coverts are a deep black, while the upper breast and neck are a pristine white, extending to the face. Notable are the red, featherless skin and wart-like bumps in front of the eyes, as well as the long bills and black legs and toes. The species is monotypic, with no recognized subspecies.
Males and females are similar in appearance, though males may be slightly larger. Juveniles can be distinguished by their tawny body plumage and less prominent wattles, lacking the bare skin on the face of adults. The long, nearly ground-reaching secondaries and the white wattles, which hang from the upper throat, are key identification features.
Wattled Cranes favor inaccessible wetlands, thriving in shallow marshes rich in sedge-based vegetation. They are adapted to environments that provide a mix of water and grassland.
