Grus grus
The Common Crane (Grus grus) is a magnificent, large wading bird characterized by its elegant stature and unmistakable calls. Standing 100-130 cm tall with a wingspan of 180-240 cm and weighing 4-6.1 kg, its plumage is predominantly ash-grey, contrasting with a striking black and white face and neck pattern, culminating in a distinctive bare, red crown patch. In flight, their long neck and legs extend straight, and their powerful, deep wingbeats carry them in spectacular V-formations. This sp...
Common Cranes primarily inhabit extensive wetlands, bogs, marshes, and wet meadows, but also utilize open agricultural lands and taiga forests for feeding and nesting across temperate and boreal zones.
The Common Crane is an omnivorous feeder, primarily consuming grains, seeds, roots, and tubers, supplemented with a variety of insects, worms, small vertebrates (frogs, lizards), and mollusks, typically foraged by gleaning and probing.
Common Cranes are diurnal, spending their days foraging and often roosting communally in shallow water or on sandbanks at night. Their foraging strategy involves slowly walking and gleaning seeds, grains, and invertebrates from the surface, as well as probing the ground with their sturdy bills. D...
The Common Crane boasts an expansive Palearctic distribution, breeding across northern and central Eurasia, from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe eastward through Russia to Siberia and northern China. Isolated breeding populations also persist in parts of Turkey and the Caucasus. These populations ...
Least Concern
- Common Cranes can live for over 30 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived crane species. - Their elaborate 'crane dance' is not just for courtship but also serves as a social bonding ritual and a way to relieve tension within flocks. - These birds are incredible long-distance m...