Red-crowned Crane
I.U.C.N status
International Union for Conservation of Nature
LC
Least concern
NT
Near threatened
VU
Vulnerable
EN
Endangered
CR
Critically endangered
EW
Extinct in the wild
EX
Extinct
Identity card
Class :
Birds
Order :
Gruiformes
Family :
Gruidae
Genus :
Grus
Species :
japonensis
Average size
160 cm / 240 cm (wingspan)
Weight
7 to 10 kg
Longevity
30 to 50 years
Sexual maturity
2 to 3 years
Gestation
1 month
Litter
2 eggs
Diet
Omnivore
Insects, amphibians, fish, rodents, grasses.
Did you know?
The red-crowned crane is one of the largest birds in the world. This species is distinguished by its ability to feed in deep waters, a rare behavior among cranes. To do so, it walks half-submerged in muddy areas and uses its long beak to catch prey within its reach.
Threats and conservation
The red-crowned crane is threatened by habitat loss due to agriculture and road infrastructure. Protected areas have been created, and winter feeding stations help the cranes survive during the winter. Japan has also made its power lines more visible to reduce collisions, and regular surveys are conducted in breeding and wintering areas.