Crane Black Crowned basic information

The Black Crowned Crane, and other crowned cranes may be distinguished from other crane species by the presence of the "hallux," which are long hind toes. The hallux allow them to grip branches easily. This adaptation may explain why the Black and Grey Crowned Cranes roost in trees, while other species do not. There are two subspecies of Black Crowned Crane, the West African Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina pavonina) and the Sudan Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina ceciliae). The subspecies are quite similar in appearance, but they can be distinguished by the differences in their cheek coloration. The Sudan Crowned Crane has a red patch that extends much higher than that of the West African Crowned Crane.