Name

Crested Crane

Scientific Name

Gruidae

Characteristics

Cranes are large, graceful birds.  They are recognisable due to their long legs, beak and neck.

The grey crowned crane is a very large bird (often over a metre tall) and has a distinctive ‘crown’ of golden feathers on the top of its head. Grey crowned cranes have a distinctive ‘booming’ call which they make by inflating the red sacks underneath their chin.

Breeding pairs of cranes are monogamous. Couples often ‘sing’ to one another to affirm their bond; this is known as unison calling. Cranes are also known for ‘dancing’. They move their bodies, bob their heads and leap around; this is usually to impress the opposite sex during courtship. However, the crane’s dance can also be a sign of aggression.

Diet

Cranes are omnivores. They mostly eat plant matter, nuts, grain, small fish and insects.

Size Fact

A full-grown, full-sized crane’s wingspan can reach up to 2 meters wide.

Food Fact

Cranes have been known to eat other birds’ eggs.

Fun Fact

In Japanese culture, cranes are a symbol of peace.

IUCN Red list

Least concern.

Where do I live?

Grey crowned cranes originate from Africa

Our animals

At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, we have two types of crane: the common crane and the grey crowned crane.