The Blue Crane is the national bird of South Africa.
While the 15 crane species are mostly wetland birds, the Blue Crane's habitat is dry grasslands, and agricultural areas. Like the other cranes, it is a vulnerable species. Cranes are not related to the similar looking herons and can be distinguished in flight by their outstretched necks.
Originally appearing on the 5-cent coin in 1965, the Blue Crane switched from right facing to left facing in 1990, and from nickel to this larger copper piece.
