"These magnificent cranes take dating extremely seriously. Before
they tie the knot, each pair of prospective partners must master a
synchronized nuptial dance. The laborious routine usually features a mix
of whooping calls, vigorous head-bobbing, and plenty of prancing and
wing flapping, but it also creates a powerful bond; after making their
choice, these birds are strictly monogamous, mating for life.Unlike
other cranes, who are incapable of perching, the gray crowned crane and
the closely related black crowned crane both possess a prehensile rear
toe that enables them to roost in trees, helping them avoid the numerous
predators that lurk in the African savannahs where they live. Most
other species of crane roost on the ground or in shallow water."Excerpt from "Birds", published by Abrams, 2021