Demoiselle Crane

Overview

The demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo) is the smallest species of crane, characterised by its long, thin shape and migratory habits across Eurasia. It is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Body length of 85–100 cm with a wingspan of 155–180 cm, slightly smaller than the common crane.
• Plumage features a long white neck stripe with black extending down the foreneck and over the chest in a plume.
• Produces a loud trumpeting call that is higher-pitched than that of the common crane.
• Performs a dancing display that is more balletic than other cranes, with less leaping.

Habitat

Breeds in central Eurasia from the Black Sea to Mongolia and northeast China in open habitats with sparse vegetation, usually near water. Migrants spend winters in the Sahel region of Africa or the western Indian subcontinent, where they often roost in shallow open water.

Did you know?

The crane's graceful appearance inspired the ancient Indian belief that Valmiki, composer of the Ramayana, was moved to write his first verse after witnessing a hunter kill a male demoiselle crane.