wattled crane
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: Wattled cranes (Bugeranus carunculatus) will inhabit fairly shallow wetlands with short, emerging vegetation. A feature is their thermal soaring, which often leads to their misidentification to a stork.
Distribution: North-eastern Namibia including Etosha National Park and the Caprivi. Resident in Mahango Game Reserve and Mamili National Park. Sighted after heavy rainfall around Grootfontein.
Diet: Seeds, grass, snails, fish and frogs.
Description: Large, silent crane. Carunculatus is the Latin word for 'wattled' referring to the bare fleshy structure around the eye, base of bill, throat and chin. Bugeranus is a combination of 2 Greek words, bous, which is an ox or bull and geranus, a crane. Often confused with the blue crane.
Breeding: Lays 1 well-marked egg in a mound of aquatic vegetation. Eggs are taken by people for food and by domestic dogs. Fledglings have been captured as pets or for the bird trade.
Size: 1.75m. Weight: 8kg.
Dornhugel Guest Farm
Situated north-east of Grootfontein this serves as an gateway between the Caprivi and central Namibia
Gabus Game Ranch
Ten kilometers outside of Otavi this lodge offers a realxing environment and is ideal for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and birders
Ghaub Guest Farm
Initially a christian mission station this property was converted into a lodge in 1999. The Ghaub caves nearby are well worth a visit
Kambaku Safari Lodge
Horse riding, game and beautiful surroundings are just some of the reasons to stay at this lodge
Minen Hotel
A courtyard atmosphere, traditional garden and German cuisine can be found at this Tsumeb hotel.
Mundulea
Close encounters of the wild side - experience the Namibian veld on foot with Bruno, an enigmatic & knowledgeable guide
Roy's Camp
An eclectic lodge, allows for visits to a San community as well as offering reasonably priced overnight accommodation
