Wild Birds

Cranes

Cranes

Cranes (Gruidae) occur on all continents except Antarctica and South America. Some species are long-distance migrants, while those found in warmer climates are mostly sedentary (non-migratory).

These gregarious birds typically form large flocks in places where many of them are found.

Image of Crane Bird's Head
Image of Crane Bird’s Head

However, their numbers are declining and some species are at risk of extinction, such as the North American Whooping Cranes.

Some species are long-distance migrants, while those found in warmer climates are mostly sedentary (non-migratory).

These gregarious birds typically form large flocks in places where many of them are found.

Description:

Cranes are large birds with long legs and long necks. They are often seen flying with their necks outstretched.

Many have elaborate and noisy courting displays or “dances”. These birds mate for life.

Diet / Feeding:

Cranes have opportunistic feeding habits and their diet changes with the season. They prey on small rodents, fish, and amphibians; but will also take grain and berries during late summer and autumn.

The cranberries, for example, were named for the fact that some of the northern crane species extensively fed on them.


Two Cranes Dancing
Two Cranes Dancing

Species

Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina)

Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis)

Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradisea)

Brolga Crane (Grus rubicunda)

Crowned Crane: Red-crowned CraneBlack Crowned CraneGrey Crowned Cranes

Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo)

Eurasian Crane aka Common Crane (Grus grus)

Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)

East African Crowned Crane (Grey-crowned Crane)

Hooded Crane (Grus monacha)

Red Crowned Crane aka Red Crown Crane (Grus japonensis)

Red-necked Crane: Red-necked Cranes (Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge)

Paradise Crane (Blue Crane)

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)

Sarus Crane (Grus antigone)

Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus)

Stanley Crane (Blue Crane)

Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus)

White-naped Crane (Grus vipio)

Whooping Crane (Grus americana)


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Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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