crane
1. Bird Name
English: Crane
Scientific: Grus
2. Appearance
Cranes are elegant birds with an upright posture, long beaks, and unique feather arrangements. They display an array of colors; some are predominantly grey and white, while others have hues of red, brown, and black. Their styling includes long, muscular necks and sturdy, s-shaped beaks, adapted for their diet and lifestyle. Besides, they have long and powerful legs suitable for large distances of flight and walking. Notably, Crane’s plumage is less showy compared with other large birds but renowned for their dramatic, elaborate courtship dance, which involves bowing, jumping, running, wing flapping, and vocalizing. There’s often little sexual dimorphism, though males are slightly larger on average.
3. Size
Cranes are one of the world’s tallest flying birds. They vary in size from the demoiselle crane, which measures 90 cm (35 in) in length, to the sarus crane, which can be up to 176 cm (69 in). The wingspan of a crane can range from 1.5 to 3.5 meters (4.9 to 11.5 feet). The weight of cranes can vary from 2 kgs (4.4 lbs) to over 10 kgs (22 lbs).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Cranes are found on every continent except South America and Antarctica. They range across various habitats in northern North America, Northern Europe, and parts of Asia. Cranes do prefer wetlands, grasslands, and marshes to breed and feed, and they can adapt to various environments to find food. Some crane species migrate over long distances while others do not migrate at all.
5. Interesting Facts
Did you know that cranes have been a symbol of happiness, eternal youth, and prosperity in many cultures across the world? Notably, the Crane’s fidelity and mating rituals have led to it being frequently referred to as a symbol of love. Another fun fact is that some crane species can fly as high as a staggering 26,000 feet!
6. Diet
Cranes are omnivores. They prefer a plant-based diet primarily: grains, roots, and tubers. They also eat small animals like rodents, amphibians, fish, and insects.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Cranes are often identified by their spectacular courtship dance, which involves bows, flaps, leaps, and runs. It’s believed that this display enforces pair bonding and impresses the mate. Their vocalizations are distinctive, loud, and can carry over many kilometers. Their trademark calls range from musical and trumpeting to purring or rattling.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, cranes’ conservation status varies by species. For instance, the Whooping Crane is classified as endangered, the Sandhill Crane is of least concern, and the Siberian Crane is critically endangered.
9. Lifespan
Cranes have a long lifespan. In the wild, they can live up to 20 years, but in captivity, such as zoos, cranes can live beyond 60 years.
10. Additional Notes
Cranes are revered in many cultures. For example, in Japan, they’re known as “Tsuru” and symbolize good fortune, longevity, and loyalty. Also, cranes play an essential role in their ecosystems, helping to manage populations of insects and rodents. In rural communities, these birds often coexist closely with humans, with farmers leaving the outer rows of their crops uncultivated for cranes to make nests.
