Common Crane

Common Crane

Description

The Common Crane (also called the Eurasian Crane) is a tall, elegant bird standing 110-130 cm high with a wingspan of up to 220-240 cm and a weight of around 4-6 kg. Its plumage is mainly slate-grey with a black tail and lower neck, a striking white stripe running down the side of the head and neck, and a bare patch of red skin on the crown. In flight it holds its neck and legs fully stretched out and beats its wings in slow, majestic strokes.

Habitat

It breeds across northern and central Europe and Asia, favouring wetlands, peat bogs, floodplain forests and damp meadows; in recent years it has once again become a regular breeder in the Czech Republic. In winter the birds migrate to southern Europe (such as Spain and France), North Africa and the Middle East.

Diet

The Common Crane is omnivorous. Its plant food includes roots, shoots, grain and berries, while its animal food consists of insects, snails, frogs and small rodents.

Reproduction

Pairs are monogamous and form strong bonds that last for life. The female usually lays a clutch of two eggs, which are incubated for about 28-31 days by both parents. The chicks are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching, following their parents to safe feeding areas.

Lifespan

In the wild the Common Crane lives around 20 years, while in human care it can reach up to 40 years.

Did you know?

It is one of the largest birds in Europe, and its migrating flocks travel in V-formation accompanied by a loud, trumpeting call that carries over great distances.