Common Crane (Grus grus) – The Majestic Bird of the Wetlands

The Common Crane is an impressive bird found across many parts of Europe. It lives in wetlands such as moors, marshes, and wet meadows. Known for its elegant appearance, spectacular courtship dance, and loud, trumpet-like calls, the crane is a memorable sight. During migration, large flocks of these majestic birds can be seen flying south, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

Quick Facts:

• Size: 96–119 cm
• Features: Large, mostly grey plumage with black and white markings
• Habitat: Moors, marshes, wetlands, and agricultural fields
• Breeding: Nests in remote areas; cranes form lifelong pairs
• Diet: Grass, shoots, roots, insects, grains

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Common Crane – Majestic and Impressive
2. Features and Appearance: How to Identify the Common Crane
3. Habitat and Distribution: Where the Common Crane Lives
4. Behavior and Diet: A Graceful Bird with a Powerful Call
5. Breeding: A Lifelong Partnership
6. FAQ: Common Questions About the Common Crane
7. Shortlist – Key Features

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1. Introduction: The Common Crane – Majestic and Impressive

The Common Crane is one of the largest birds in Europe. It is easy to recognize with its grey plumage and graceful movements. Known for its spectacular courtship dance and loud calls, the Common Crane is often seen flying in large groups during migration. These social birds communicate with each other using their famous trumpet-like sounds, which can be heard over long distances.

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2. Features and Appearance: How to Identify the Common Crane

The Common Crane stands out with its size and elegant coloring.

• Plumage: The grey feathers of the crane provide excellent camouflage in the wide, open wetlands it calls home. The head and neck feature a white stripe, contrasted by a black line that extends to the chest. Adult cranes have a distinctive red patch on the top of their heads. The long, dark wings and feathers give the crane a majestic appearance when flying.

• Beak: The long, strong beak is pale grey to orange and helps the crane dig up plants, roots, and small animals from the ground.

• Eyes: The dark eyes give the crane a calm and watchful look, perfectly matching its graceful movements.

• Feet: The crane’s long black legs are visible in flight and extend far behind its body. On the ground, they help the bird walk through marshes and wet areas in search of food.

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3. Habitat and Distribution: Where the Common Crane Lives

The Common Crane prefers large, open landscapes, especially moors, marshes, and wet meadows. In Germany, it is commonly found in the northern regions, where it nests in undisturbed wetlands. During migration, cranes can also be seen in agricultural fields, feeding on grains and insects to prepare for their long journey south. Cranes prefer remote areas for nesting to avoid disturbance.

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4. Behavior and Diet: A Graceful Bird with a Powerful Call

The Common Crane is an omnivore. Its diet includes grasses, roots, shoots, insects, and grains. During migration, cranes often stop in fields to feed on leftover crops and insects, building up energy for the long trip south.

Cranes are highly social birds, living in large groups. They communicate using loud, trumpet-like calls, which can be heard over great distances. One of the most fascinating behaviors is their courtship dance, where cranes leap into the air with their wings spread wide, performing graceful movements.

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5. Breeding: A Lifelong Partnership

Cranes are monogamous and often stay with the same partner for life. They build their nests in hard-to-reach places, such as marshes or reed beds, where they are safe from predators. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the two or three eggs. Once hatched, the chicks stay with their parents for several months, learning how to survive in the wild.

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6. FAQ: Common Questions About the Common Crane

1. Where does the Common Crane prefer to live?

The Common Crane lives in wetlands such as moors, marshes, and wet meadows. It is most common in northern Germany.

2. What does the Common Crane eat?

It feeds on grass, roots, insects, shoots, and grains, especially during migration.

3. How can you recognize the Common Crane in flight?

The crane is easy to spot with its large, wide wings and long legs stretched out behind its body in flight.

4. How do cranes communicate?

Cranes communicate using loud, trumpet-like calls, which are often heard over long distances.

5. How long do cranes stay with one partner?

Cranes are monogamous and often stay with the same partner for life.

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7. Shortlist – Key Features

• Size: 96–119 cm
• Plumage: Grey with black and white markings, red patch on the head
• Beak: Long, strong, pale grey to orange
• Eyes: Dark and watchful
• Feet: Long, black
• Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, agricultural fields
• Diet: Grass, roots, grains, insects

The Common Crane is a majestic bird known for its size and graceful movements. Especially during migration, it creates an impressive natural spectacle as it flies in large groups across the skies.