Common Crane

Overview

Common Crane (Grus grus) is a species of Cranes (Gruidae) in the order Cranes and Allies. A tall gray crane with a black neck and a red crown streak; gathers in huge winter flocks; famous for loud trumpeting calls and graceful dancing; breeds in northern bogs and wetlands.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Grus; binomial: Grus grus; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 110-130cm. Average lifespan: 20-40 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: ne AF and n OR.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Treated as monotypic following Archibald & Meine (1996); includes lilfordi and archibaldi.