Balearica regulorum gibbericeps

The African Crowned Crane is a beautiful bird that can be recognized immediately by its velvety black crown with its fan of yellow feathers, white cheek patches, red dewlap and grayish white to pale blue eyes. It stands 38-45 inches and weigh approximately 15 pounds. East African crowned cranes have short, stout bills and legs. They lack the highly elongated windpipe that is characteristic of the more advanced cranes.