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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.

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A photo of a Crane (Grus grus)

Crane

Grus grus
A photo of a Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo)

Demoiselle Crane

Grus virgo
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Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
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Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
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Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
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Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
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