This is a grey crowned crane:

It's native to eastern and southern Africa, and also happens to be the national bird of Uganda.

These regal-looking fellas have long legs for wading through tall grasses, and they are one of only two species of cranes that can also roost in trees because they have a long hind toe that can grasp branches.

Regrettably, they are also endangered as a result of habitat loss and poaching.

However, some lucky regular visitors to Seletar Country Club might be familiar with one of them who has been calling Seletar its home.

Here he is in his regal glory:

There have been quite a few sightings of this lone grey-crowned crane in Seletar. This guy is likely to be one-half of a pair that was believed to have been released or escaped from a pet farm nearby a few years back.

Here's a video of it diving into puddles of water in a field:

Seems like it really enjoys coming out to play after downpours too — here it is prancing in the puddles again in a video taken earlier this month:

Slightly oversized to play with pigeons, we'd agree, but sadly, these are the only friends it has. According to some members of Nature Society (Singapore) Facebook group, its partner has died.

Here it is hopping and dancing about gleefully on its own in a video shared by a Nature Society (Singapore) member Anne Ang on Sep. 19 —

So chio and so cute. But yes, here's your dose of weekend Singapore bird trivia.

Now you know!

Top photo: Screenshot from Anne Ang's video