Share

Know your nation: why the Blue Crane is honoured amongst many African tribes

accreditation

The Blue Crane is the national bird of South Africa, and there are around 20 000 left in the country.

Xhosa people call the Blue Crane “Indwe”. When a warrior showed bravery in battle, he was honoured by the chief by having Blue Crane feathers put in his hair. These warriors were then known as men of “ugaba”, or trouble, meaning if trouble arose, they were the ones who could restore order.

Zulu chiefs wore the Blue Crane’s feathers in their headdresses, and called the bird “Udoyi”.

The Blue Crane is one of the most recognisable birds in South Africa, and is also known as the Stanley Crane or Paradise Crane. Their diet is mainly insects, but they will also eat frogs, lizards and small fish. When the female Blue Crane lays her eggs, she always lays two. She and the male take turns sitting on the eggs until they hatch, and raise the chicks together.

The Ndebele of South Africa call the Blue Crane “Mxololo”. They have great respect for it because of its great bravery and hunting prowess. Tales are told of Mxololo, which will catch a dangerous snake in its beak, then fly high into the sky and drop the serpent from a great height to kill it. Because of the high regard in which they hold the Blue Crane, the Ndebele are forbidden from hunting or eating it.

Buy the book for R90 at CNA, Exclusive Books, Spar, Makro or takealot.com

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE