Blue Crane — Our South African National Bird

Jan 45 min read

Blue Crane South African National Bird. — Blue Crane was uploaded from Wikimedia under the Creative Commons License.

Did you know that our National Bird is the Blue Crane?

Most people associate South Africa with the Big 5 game, springboks and proteas, but not many know other national animals representing South African culture and identity. Blame it on the nation's rich natural heritage.

The Blue Crane is an elegant bird known for its striking appearance and graceful movements. It embodies the spirit of the country's wilderness. A symbol and a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human activities. It represents the beauty and biodiversity of South Africa and inspires efforts to protect and celebrate the nation's unique flora and fauna. By choosing it as the national bird, South Africa acknowledges its significance and commits to preserving its habitat and future. And not a moment too soon.

Five-cent coin is shown as heads and tails — Five Cent coin

The Significance of the Blue Crane

The Blue Crane, also sometimes called "Stanley's Crane," holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans for several reasons. Besides being the bird engraved on our 5-cent coin, the Blue Crane represents national pride. It is often seen as a symbol of grace and beauty and is featured in various cultural artefacts and traditions. Reflecting the unique natural heritage of South Africa, this bird carries significant cultural importance for both the Xhosa and Zulu tribes.

In Xhosa culture, the Blue Crane is considered a sacred bird, believed to possess the ability to communicate with ancestors. Its feathers are used in various traditional ceremonies, highlighting the bird's deep-rooted significance in cultural practices. Similarly, the Zulu culture recognises the Blue Crane as a sign of kings and warriors. Many have worn a single or many Blue Crane feathers in their hair to indicate their status. The “Isitwaldanwe Medal”, the highest award given by the ANC to those who made outstanding contributions and sacrifices to the liberation struggle and are distinguished by their leadership and heroism, features Blue Crane.

The Blue Crane symbolises South Africa's rich biodiversity and emphasises the connection between South Africans and their natural environment. It embodies the nation's beauty while serving as a reminder of the need to protect its unique flora and fauna.

What’s more, the Blue Crane is an important indicator species for the grassland biome. Its presence signifies a healthy ecosystem, and the bird is used as a flagship species to promote conservation efforts throughout South Africa. It is also a symbol for the Endangered Wildlife Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of endangered species.

So, as you see, there are many reasons why the Blue Crane’s cultural and ecological significance makes it a truly important emblem of South Africa's commitment to preserving our natural heritage.

Pair of blue cranes in a field of grass. In front of them a pair of small chicks peaks out from the grass. — Pair of Blue Cranes with chicks. Can you spot them in the grass?

Where Does the Blue Crane Live?

The majority of the Blue Crane’s population is found in South Africa, which is another reason why it is a great choice for a national bird. Most reside in the grasslands and agricultural areas of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Free State provinces. Blue Cranes thrive in a variety of habitats, primarily preferring wide, open grasslands where they can forage for food and build their nests. They have adapted well to agricultural fields, particularly in regions where wheat and other crops are cultivated.

According to Wikipedia, in the last twenty years, Blue Cranes have all but disappeared from Eastern Cape, Lesotho, and Eswatini, and populations in Free State, Limpopo, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga declined by 90%. Only 26, 000 individuals remain. Many have moved to the Western Cape, where the farming change to growing cereal grains suits the Cranes, sustaining their food and reproductive needs.

The decline in numbers happened due to human encroachment on habitats. The conversion of grasslands to commercial tree plantations and mining forced the Blue Cranes to abandon their usual breeding spots.

Blue Crane flying over a grassy field. Source: Wikimedia, Creative Commons License

What do Blue Cranes Eat?

Blue Cranes have almost human appetites because they are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and other animals. Their diet consists of grasses and sedges, but they also like grasshoppers, snails, frogs, small lizards, and snakes. If they live near marshes, they are partial to crabs as a dietary treat.

How Is Blue Crane Protected?

Blue Crane is an important bird to South Africans, so it stands to reason that we have a crane conservation strategy in place. The International Crane Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) are working alongside South African government authorities and NGOs to engage landowners and communities in the sustainable management of the grassland biome, focusing on securing land for Blue Cranes through the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme.

EWT's Wildlife and Energy Programme has partnered with Eskom, South Africa's power utility, to address the risks posed by power lines to large birds. This partnership employs both reactive measures to enhance the visibility of hazardous power lines and proactive research, including a large-scale marking experiment in the Karoo in collaboration with the Percy FitzPatrick Institute at the University of Cape Town. This initiative aims to test the effectiveness of various line markers for Blue Cranes and other large birds while collecting long-term collision mortality data in the Karoo and Overberg.

In the Western Cape, where most birds live, conservation efforts include collaboration between the Overberg Crane Group, Cape Nature, and local landowners to raise awareness and mitigate threats to crane populations.

In summary, the Blue Crane is an impressive symbol of South Africa's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its elegance and grace not only captivate the hearts of those who encounter it but also remind us of the urgent need to protect them. As we celebrate this remarkable bird, we must also reflect on our responsibility to safeguard its habitat and ensure its survival for future generations.

The collaborative efforts of conservation organizations, local communities, and government bodies highlight a collective commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystems that support the Blue Crane. By fostering a deeper understanding of our national bird, we can inspire a greater appreciation for South Africa's rich biodiversity and encourage sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and people.

Let us take pride in the Blue Crane as our national emblem and work together to ensure its graceful presence continues to grace our landscapes. It symbolises hope and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Together, we can honour this beautiful bird and the irreplaceable natural heritage it represents.