Characterized by its elegant grey plumage and distinctive red crown, it is a majestic bird often spotted in wetlands, marshes, and other aquatic habitats. Renowned for its extensive migrations, common cranes traverse vast distances in cohesive groups, following well-established flyways that span continents. These migratory journeys play a crucial role in the species’ lifecycle, allowing them to access vital breeding and wintering grounds while also ensuring genetic diversity and population connectivity across their range.
Despite their graceful appearance, common cranes are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet that reflects their adaptability to various habitats. From probing and picking behavior observed during foraging on land to wading in shallow waters in search of aquatic prey, these birds are known to consume a wide range of food items. Their diet typically includes plants in various stages of growth, invertebrates such as insects and worms, and small vertebrates like snakes and rodents, demonstrating their versatility as omnivorous feeders.
Unfortunately, common cranes face numerous threats in their habitats, with hunting being a significant concern. The species’ large size and distinctive calls make them targets for hunters seeking their meat, feathers, or simply the thrill of the hunt. Additionally, habitat loss and degradation due to human activities, including agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development, further compound the challenges faced by common cranes and other wetland-dependent species.
The vocalizations of common cranes, characterized by loud, high-pitched calls that carry over long distances, serve various functions in their social and ecological interactions. While these calls play a crucial role in communication within crane flocks, helping individuals coordinate movements, warn of potential threats, and maintain social cohesion, they can also attract unwanted attention from predators and human disturbances. Despite the risks associated with their vocalizations, the unique calls of common cranes are a defining feature of wetland ecosystems and contribute to the rich tapestry of sounds found in these habitats.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Armenia
Austria
Official estimate
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Canada
China
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Official estimate
Denmark
Official estimate
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Estonia
Official estimate
Ethiopia
Faroe Islands
Finland
Official estimate
France
Official estimate
Georgia
Germany
Official estimate
Gibraltar
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mauritania
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Myanmar
Nepal
Netherlands
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Official estimate
Oman
Pakistan
Poland
Official estimate
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sudan
Svalbard
Sweden
Official estimate
Switzerland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
UAE
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
YemenAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
