Crane-Wattled Crane
Read MoreThe Wattled Crane is much larger than the Crowned Crane, but, in my opinion, not as beautiful. It is much less numerous---and the species is considered threatened. It is very shy & wary. Note the bi-colored (white with anterior red border) wattle hanging beneath the male's chin, the female's is all white. [Chobe NP, Botswana;]
Wattled Crane (Pair): The male, standing behind, has a red streak on the posterior edge of his wattle that is barely seen here, (but easily seen in the enlarged print) compared to the female's (standing in front) all white wattle. I was lucky---they were originally standing facing one-another, but they then began slowly walking towards each other while they probed the muddy bottom. I snapped the picture just as they superimposed---reflections and all! [Botswana].
A triple image of Wattled Cranes: (M,F, Juvenile in each). 1st image (L>R). M, with small crustacean in beak, juvenile, F, probing grass; L>R: M, Juvenile, F with wings spread; Family walking away. This is a seriously threatened species, especially in South Africa, because it requires an undisturbed habitat during breeding season. It will abandon its eggs, customarily laid in an open field, if it feels threatened. [Busanga Plains, Zambia].