Uganda’s Crowned Pride
The Grey-crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), Uganda’s national bird, is a graceful symbol of heritage and wetlands. From the Gruidae family, it is listed as Endangered by the IUCN report of 2025 with a declining population of about 20,000-25,000 individuals. In Uganda, it thrives in wetlands, grasslands, and farmlands. It is non-migratory, making short local movements usually within tens of kilometers, following water and food. Once common, its numbers have fallen due to habitat loss and disturbance, reminding us that even our proudest symbols need protection.