Cranes

Cranes are noteworthy birds found across most of the world, excluding Antarctica and South America, and are renowned for their long legs, long necks, and the unique ability to fly with their necks outstretched. There are 15 species within the Gruidae family, distributed into three genera: Antigone, Balearica, and Grus. These adaptable birds adjust their diet seasonally, consuming everything from small animals and eggs to grains and berries. In breeding, cranes build nests in shallow water and typically lay two eggs, with both parents involved in rearing the young. Their behavior ranges from solitary during breeding to sociable in large flocks outside the breeding season. Migration patterns vary greatly among species, with some traveling long distances and others remaining stationary. The survival of many crane species is threatened due to human activities. Distinguished by their varied and striking plumage, which is often influenced by habitat, cranes also feature bare skin on their faces that can change color when the bird is excited. Communication is vital, with their long coiled trachea enabling distinctive trumpeting calls that carry over great distances. Their evolutionary history is complex, with a fossil record dating back to the Eocene era and a suggested Old World origin. Crane mythology and symbolism are rich and diverse, with these elegant birds representing happiness, longevity, and vigilance in different cultures worldwide, and they have inspired various art forms, stories, and traditions.