The Grey Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda and features in the country's flag and coat of arms.

In many areas, this species is considered a sacred bird, its cultural significance has provided a high level of local protection, despite this they are still threatened by habitat alteration and destruction. 

All cranes engage in dancing, this includes head pumping, bowing, jumping, running, stick or grass tossing, and wing flapping, it can occur at any age and is commonly associated with courtship.

The main vocalization is a booming call where the crane will inflate the sac underneath its chin and push the air out. This calling is done with the head laid against the top of the neck and then tilted back.