Common Crane
Least ConcernGrus grus
Visual Identification
Common Crane
Appearance
The Common Crane is a tall, long-necked bird with predominantly ash-grey plumage. Its most distinctive features include a black and white head pattern, with a red crown patch, and elongated, drooping black tertial feathers that form a 'bustle' over the tail.
The bill, which is medium length, is a pale greyish yellow and the legs are thick, long and dark grey.
Both sexes are similar, with females being slightly smaller. Adults and juveniles share similar colouration, though young birds lack vibrant red crowns and have brownish-tinged heads. It takes roughly 3 years for young birds to fully get their red crowns.
Size
Length
100cm to 130cm
Wingspan
180cm to 240cm
Weight
3kg to 6.1kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey
Secondary Colour
Black White Red
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Common Cranes inhabit a wide range across Eurasia, from Northern Europe to Eastern Asia. They breed in northern latitudes' wetlands, bogs, and marshes, including Scandinavia and Russia.
During winter, they migrate to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. In the UK, increasing numbers overwinter in eastern England, particularly in Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Somerset Levels.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Common Cranes are omnivorous, and their diet varies seasonally. They feed on plant matter such as roots, tubers, and grains and small animals, including insects, worms, snails, frogs, small fish, and occasionally small rodents. During migration, they often forage in agricultural fields, consuming leftover grains.
They forage from the ground or in shallow water as they stride around, often in small groups.
Behaviour
Common Cranes are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They perform elaborate courtship dances involving bowing, jumping, and wing-flapping, strengthening pair bonds.
These cranes are diurnal foragers. They use their bills to probe the ground for food in shallow waters or fields.
Vocalisation
The Common Crane's call is a loud, trumpeting 'kroo-kroo' or 'kro-kro-kro', often given in flight or during social interactions. These vocalisations can be heard over long distances and are crucial in communication within flocks, especially during migration.
During the breeding season pairs will dance with each other and issue bugling or trumpeting sounds.
Nesting & Breeding
Common Cranes form monogamous pairs that often bond for life. Breeding season typically begins in April or May, with elaborate courtship displays.
Nests are built on the ground in shallow water, using vegetation. The female usually lays two eggs, which are olive-brown with dark spots. Both parents contribute to nest building and incubation.
Incubation lasts about 30 days, and the chicks fledge after 65-70 days. Young cranes stay with their parents until the next breeding season, learning migration routes and survival skills.
Lifespan
The Common Crane typically lives for 13 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 20.3 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Common Cranes face threats from habitat loss and degradation, particularly in their breeding and wintering grounds.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats and managing agricultural areas to support crane populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Common Cranes in open wetlands, agricultural fields, and grasslands.
- Listen for their distinctive trumpeting call, especially during migration.
- Observe their graceful courtship dances in early spring.
- In the UK, visit nature reserves in Norfolk and Suffolk during winter months.
- Use a spotting scope for detailed views, as they can be wary of a close approach.
- In flight, when viewed from below, the long black under neck contrasting with the pale grey body, tail and fore wing area, with black fingered wing tips and a dark wing trailing edge, is an excellent guide to identification.
- Unlike many species in flight the common crane is not confined to a specific flight configuration and may be spotted in a V formation, a single line of many birds or a simple haphazard group.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Eurasian Crane, Crane
Family:
GruidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Common Cranes can fly at altitudes of up to 10,000 meters during migration.
- They have been known to form lifelong pair bonds, sometimes lasting over 20 years.
- Ancient European cave paintings depict Common Cranes, showing their long-standing cultural significance.
- In captivity, the oldest recorded Crane lived to be 43 years (Mitchell 1911). The oldest ringed wild bird has been recorded at 20.7 years.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Grus grus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22692146A86219168.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source