Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)
Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis)
Size: 150 cm
Weight: 15 kg
Diet: Frogs, mice, birds, fish, and insects
Season: Year-round in parts of Japan, China, and Russia
Observation Tip: Russia, China, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan
Photography Tips
Lens: 400 mm or longer
Difficulty Level: Medium
The Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) is a large species of crane belonging to the family Gruidae. It is also known as the Manchurian Crane. Native to East Asia, it can be found in Russia, China, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. It has a body length of approximately 150 cm and a wingspan of up to 250 cm. It can weigh up to 15 kg. The head is white with a distinctive red crown on the top.
This species primarily inhabits wetlands such as marshes, river deltas, and meadows. Red-crowned cranes primarily feed on plants, but also consume small animals such as frogs, mice, birds, fish, and insects.
Red-crowned cranes are known for their spectacular courtship dances, during which they spread their wings, jump into the air, and hop around. These dances strengthen pair bonds within the social community, enhance bonding between parents and subadult offspring, and alleviate aggressive moods within the crane flock.
The Red-crowned Crane is threatened in some parts of its range, particularly due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. However, there are conservation programs dedicated to preserving this species.