Antigone vipio
The White-naped Crane, Antigone vipio, is an elegant and critically important large wading bird of East Asia, instantly recognizable by its striking plumage. Measuring an impressive 112-125 cm (44-49 inches) in height with a wingspan of 200-230 cm (79-91 inches) and weighing 5.6-8.5 kg (12.3-18.7 lbs), it features a predominantly slate-grey body beautifully contrasted by a prominent white nape and hindneck. Its distinctive facial pattern includes bare, bright red skin around the eyes and lore...
Primary habitat consists of expansive freshwater wetlands, marshes, and wet grasslands, particularly in river floodplains and deltas, typically at low elevations.
Their omnivorous diet primarily consists of roots, tubers, sedges, seeds, and grains, supplemented with insects, small amphibians, fish, and mollusks, typically acquired by probing and gleaning in wet soils.
White-naped Cranes are diurnal, spending their days foraging and interacting socially, often roosting communally in shallow water overnight for protection against predators. Their foraging strategy involves probing with their long bills into soft mud for roots and tubers, as well as gleaning seed...
The White-naped Crane’s breeding range stretches across northeastern Mongolia, southeastern Russia (specifically the Amur-Heilong River basin), and northeastern China. Following the breeding season, these cranes embark on long migrations to their distinct wintering grounds. The primary wintering ...
Endangered
- The White-naped Crane is a revered symbol of longevity, fidelity, and happiness in many East Asian cultures, frequently depicted in art and folklore. - Mated pairs perform a spectacular 'unison call,' a complex, coordinated duet where the male gives a single call and the female gives two or thr...