Crane

• Wingspan: 180–220 cm
• Weight: approx. 3.5–6.5 kg
• Nest: Ground Nest
• Eggs: 2 eggs
• Breeding season: March through June
• Age: up to 27 years old

The crane is a bird about the size of a stork, predominantly gray in appearance, with long legs and a long neck. A striking feature is the black-and-white pattern on its head and neck, as well as the red patch on the head of adult individuals. Its sturdy, wedge-shaped beak is over ten centimeters long.

The pronounced feather train is also characteristic of this species in adult birds. Juveniles are generally somewhat browner in color, with a reddish-sand-colored head lacking conspicuous black-and-white markings; their feather train is not yet pronounced.

Cranes perform a very impressive courtship ritual—the so-called crane dance. During this ritual, males and females run around with their wings spread wide, letting out loud trumpeting calls. Egg-laying usually takes place in March or April, and they breed only once a year. Cranes are typically monogamous for life, though it is not uncommon for them to change partners.

The nest is built on the ground in damp or marshy terrain. The nest can be over one meter in diameter; the platform is usually 10 to 20 cm above the water’s surface and typically contains two eggs. The incubation period lasts between 28 and 30 days. The chicks are precocial and fledge after 65–70 days.

During the summer months, their diet generally consists mainly of animal matter, such as small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, worms, and insects. During the winter months, however, cranes feed primarily on plants, including various seeds (corn, barley, wheat, etc.).

The crane’s characteristic, loud, trumpet-like call earned it the onomatopoeic scientific name “Grus grus.” Cranes are known for calling frequently, and most of the time, you become aware of cranes flying overhead by their calls before you actually spot them.

The crane’s most important breeding areas are located in northeastern Europe and northern Asia. In Central Europe, the species breeds in Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, and, more recently, once again in Austria with a very small population. The species was once widespread as a breeding bird in Central Europe as well, but disappeared from many areas as a breeding bird starting in the late 19th century due to habitat destruction—primarily the cultivation and drainage of wetlands.

In Austria, the crane is currently one of the rarest breeding birds and is critically endangered. At present, isolated breeding pairs in Austria are found only in the northern Waldviertel region. The most important wintering grounds for cranes are located in southwestern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. However, a significant number now also winter in Central Europe, for example, in Germany.

The global population of the common crane is not currently threatened, and the European population is currently on the rise. In Central Europe, however, it is extremely rare as a breeding bird; the main reasons for this are the large-scale drainage of wetlands. Austria has been repopulated in recent years by fewer than 5 breeding pairs.