Antigone antigone
Vulnerable
Regarded as the world's tallest flying bird, the Sarus Crane is a majestic and striking creature native to parts of India, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia. Renowned for its brilliant grey plumage, contrasting red head, and long, flowing tail, this bird is a symbol of fidelity and love in its native regions. It's a sight to behold in the wetlands and marshes, demonstrating an intriguing blend of grace and strength.
Males and females have similar plumage
Grey
Brown
Red, Black
Grey
Grey
Brown
Long
Grey
Grey
Red
Grey
Red head, long pointed bill
Less bright, greyer plumage
Long, flowing tail feathers
Shorter tail feathers
152cm to 176cm
Length
220cm to 280cm
Wingspan
5.2kg to 12.4kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Pair of Sarus Cranes with chick
Sarus Crane in-flight
Pair of Sarus Cranes in natural habitat
Sarus Crane adult with young
Portrait of a Sarus Crane
Loud trumpeting call
Loud, trumpeting call, often in duet
Sharp, high-pitched call
Foraging in wetlands during the day
Pairs or small family groups
Defends territory during breeding season
Some populations migrate short distances
Generally peaceful, except in breeding season
Plants, Invertebrates
Forages in wetlands, often digging for roots
Daytime
Probing with beak
Varies with season and location
None known
Wetlands
Large platform of reeds and grasses
Monsoon season
One
Large, dull white
10cm x 6cm
Usually 2 eggs, sometimes 3
Around 31 days
85-100 days
Both parents incubate and care for chicks
India, Southeast Asia, Northern Australia
Wetlands, marshes, rice fields
Up to 300m
Some populations migrate short distances
Freshwater, Wetlands
Tropical, Subtropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Distribution notes
Extinct in Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand
Resident or Present
Non-breeding
Vagrant
10
40
16 year(s)
2-3 year(s)
3-5 year(s)
Monogamous, long-term pair bonds
None known
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, hunting, pollution
Protected in many areas, some captive breeding programs
Population decreasing due to habitat loss and other threats
Other names:
Indian Sarus Crane
Family:
GruidaePopulation size:
13000-15000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List
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