CRANES

There are only fifteen species of Cranes, most of which are threatened in the wild. Cranes are large, elegant birds that generally spend much of their lives in wetland environments.

Their long-legs, long-necks and large bills are adaptations for wading and feeding in the shallows.

Cranes are gregarious birds that often form large flocks. Cranes carryout noisy, elaborate dances involving spreading and flapping their wings, prancing and jumping.
These dances play a number of roles including mate selection, pair bonding and territorial defense.

They are opportunistic feeders that change their diet according to the season and their own nutrient requirements. They eat a range of items from suitably sized small rodents, fish, amphibians, and insects to grain, berries, and plants.

CROWNED CRANE

The Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), with its decorative crown of golden feathers it make this crane one of the most recognisable cranes of Africa.

DEMOISELLE CRANE

The Demoiselle Crane, (Anthropoides virgo), is a species of crane found in central Eurasia. This bird is symbolically significant in the culture of North India and Pakistan.

MANCHURIAN CRANE

The Manchurian Crane (Grus japonensis), is a large east Asian crane and among the rarest cranes in the world.

SARUS CRANE

The Sarus Crane (Grus antigone), is the tallest of all flying birds, and can be found in parts of the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia.

WHITE-NAPED CRANE

The White-naped Crane (Grus vipio), This crane is listed as Vulnerable because it is thought to be experiencing a rapid and on-going population decline due to ongoing habitat loss.