What kind of bird is the Siberian Crane? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. As you can tell from the English name, this bird is distributed in Russia and other places, and its habitat extends as far as India. However, it is a bird designated as an endangered species.
What is a Siberian Crane? Basic Stats
The Siberian crane is a bird classified in the Gruidae family, Grus genus, and Grus order. Its English name is Siberian crane, and its scientific name is Grus leucogeranus. Its body length is about 140cm, its weight is 4-5kg, and its wingspan is 230cm. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ソデグロヅル |
| English（英名） | Siberian crane |
| scientific name(学名) | Grus leucogeranus |
| classification（分類） | Aves、 Gruiformes、 Gruidae、Grus 鳥綱、ツル目、ツル科、ツル属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 120～140cm |
| Weight（体重） | 4-5kg |
Taxonomic position (taxonomy)
| 階級 | 分類 |
|---|---|
| ドメイン | 真核生物 (Eukaryota) |
| 界 | 動物界 (Animalia) |
| 門 | 脊索動物門 (Chordata) |
| 綱 | 鳥綱 (Aves) |
| 目 | ツル目 (Gruiformes) |
| 科 | ツル科 (Gruidae) |
| 属 | ツル属 (Grus) |
| 種 | Grus monacha |
Habitat
Siberian Cranes are found in Afghanistan, Iran, India, China, Pakistan, and Russia. They often hibernate in the winter, so they are often at the top of social news content. You can see photos and videos of them on internet pages.
- Geographic Distribution
Breeding Grounds
Eastern Russia (Primorye, around Sakhalin)
North Korea, northeastern China
Breeds in wetlands, riverside areas, and moist grasslands
Wintering Grounds
Japan (including flooding in Kagoshima Prefecture), South Korea, and southern China
Wintering in rice paddies, wetlands, and shallow lakes
- Habitat Characteristics
Prefers wetlands, rice paddies, and shallow lakes
Wintering in areas with abundant food (seeds, plant buds, and aquatic life)
Breeding Grounds
Nests near moist grasslands and marshes
Nests in ground nests in wetlands and moist grasslands
Often forms flocks in open areas, rarely living in trees
- Migration
Typical Migratory Bird
Migrates long distances (thousands of kilometers) between breeding and wintering grounds
Among the cranes in East Asia, Japan has the highest concentration of wintering grounds
- Importance of habitat conditions
Wetlands and rice paddies are essential
They also use artificially preserved rice paddies and tidal flats in their wintering grounds
Conserving diminishing wetlands and rice paddies is key to their survival
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The Siberian Crane has no feathers on its face, red skin, and white plumage. Its iris is yellow or pale yellow, and its beak is thick and long. The Siberian Crane is a migratory bird that breeds in Russia and Siberia, and migrates to southern China and India in winter. It lives in shallow marshes, reed fields, and the shores of lakes with thickets.
- Physical Characteristics
Physique
Medium-sized crane
Body length: Approximately 110–120 cm
Weight: Approximately 2.7–3.6 kg (same weight for males and females)
Covered entirely in gray feathers
Head and Neck
The head is black, with white “sleeve”-like patterns on the face and neck.
The neck is long and gray, and the body is slim.
The beak is gray and slender, suitable for feeding.
Legs and Wings
Long legs, adapted for walking and feeding on the ground.
Large wings allow for flight and long-distance migration as a migratory bird.
- Behavior & Ecology
Diet
Omnivorous, but primarily herbivorous
Seeds, aquatic plant shoots, and roots
Also consume small aquatic invertebrates (insects, earthworms, etc.)
Often feeds in rice paddies and wetlands
Social
Winters and feeds in groups outside of the breeding season
May form large groups during migration
During the breeding season, they travel in pairs and have territories
Call
High-pitched, clear call of “kyo, kyo”
Used for communication and warning
- Breeding
Nests are built on the ground
Simple nests made of piles of fallen leaves and grass in wetlands or grasslands
Egg size: 1-3
Both parents incubate the eggs and protect the chicks
Chicks leave the nest and become independent within a few weeks
- Special Features
Their name comes from the black pattern on their heads and white “sleeves.”
As a medium-sized, flight-capable crane, they possess stable, long-distance flight capabilities among migratory birds.
They are characterized by their reliance on wetlands and rice paddies, playing an important role in ecosystems.
What is its ecology?
The Siberian Crane is an omnivore with a strong tendency to eat plants, and lives on plant buds, roots, fruits, seeds, insects, fish, and frogs. It is an oviparous breeding method. It lays 1-2 eggs at a time, and the incubation period is 27-29 days. It is said that the life span of wild Siberian cranes is 60 years.
- Habitat Relationship
Wetland-Dependent Migratory Bird
Breeding season: They live in humid grasslands and wetlands in eastern Russia, North Korea, and northeastern China.
Wintering season: They live in rice paddies, tidal flats, and shallow waters in Japan (including Izumi, Kagoshima), Korea, and southern China.
They nest on the ground, so they require open wetlands and grasslands.
Waterside areas are important for feeding and ensuring the safety of their chicks.
- Diet
They are omnivorous, but primarily plant-based.
Seeds, grains, and aquatic plant shoots and roots.
They also consume insects, earthworms, and small aquatic invertebrates.
They forage while walking in rice paddies and wetlands.
In wintering areas, they also utilize human-grown land (rice residue).
- Migration
A Typical Migratory Bird
They travel thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds.
They arrive in Japan around October each year and return to their breeding grounds around March.
They form flocks during migration and rest in wetlands and rice paddies during their migration.
- Social Behavior
Hibernates in groups outside of the breeding season.
During the breeding season, pairs maintain territories.
They call “kyo, kyo” with a high, clear voice.
Used during breeding and when alert.
Although they have limited flying ability, their stable flight skills are adapted for long-distance migration.
- Breeding and Chick Rearing
Nests are built on the ground.
Simple nests made of piles of fallen leaves and grass in wetlands or grasslands.
Egg Size: 1-3.
Both parents incubate the eggs and protect the chicks.
The chicks leave the nest within a few weeks and learn to forage under their parents.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The Siberian Crane has no particular natural enemies.
About Siberian Crane Chicks
This article provides a detailed overview of Siberian Crane (Grus monacha) chicks.
- Egg Laying and Hatching
Egg Number: 1–3 per brood
Nest Location: Built in marshes or grasses on the ground
Simple nests made of piles of fallen leaves and grass
Egg Color and Size: Light green to blue-green, approximately 7–8 cm
Hatching Time: Approximately 27–30 days
- Chick Appearance
Their feathers are pale brown to dark brown with stripes, providing a camouflage coloring that blends in with their surroundings.
Their heads and necks are not yet black, and the characteristic adult coloring is underdeveloped.
Their legs and wings are small, they are incapable of flight, and they walk cautiously.
- Chick Behavior
Both parents (especially the male) protect the chicks.
Before fledging, they live near the nest, hiding from predators.
They learn to forage under the guidance of their parents.
During the early breeding season, they learn to feed by walking with their parents in shallow marshes.
- Growth and Independence
Initially, they depend on the nest and their parents.
The stripes on their feathers gradually disappear, turning their body gray.
The black on their heads and the white sleeves on their necks develop over several months.
They become independent about 2-3 months after hatching, and they also practice flying with their parents for migration.
- Key Points for Survival
Young birds are vulnerable to birds of prey and introduced predators (dogs and cats).
Since they nest on the ground, hiding places and parental protection are key to their survival.
In their wintering grounds, they learn to forage safely within the flock.
Are Siberian Cranes an endangered species?
Siberian Cranes are designated as an endangered species (Red List). There are only a small number of Siberian Cranes worldwide, and development and other factors are causing a further decline in their population.
- IUCN Red List Classification
Classification: Vulnerable (VU)
This means that wild populations are declining and are at risk of future extinction.
- Population and Distribution
Distributed primarily in East Asia
Breeding areas: Eastern Russia, North Korea, and northeastern China
Wintering areas: Japan (including Izumi, Kagoshima Prefecture), South Korea, and southern China
The global population is estimated to be around 10,000 birds.
Flocks of several hundred birds have been observed in wintering areas.
- Major Threats
Decrease in wetlands and rice paddies
Habitat loss due to agricultural development, reclamation, and urbanization
Anthropogenic impacts on wintering areas
Inadequate management of feeding areas and risk of damage from pesticides
Climate change
Changes in migration routes and wetland environments affect survival
Predation and human activity
Young birds and eggs are vulnerable to predation
Illegal capture is rare, but has an impact
- Conservation Status
In Japan, the Izumi crane migration site has been designated a natural monument and is protected.
Habitats are also secured in protected areas in South Korea and China.
Internationally, the species is listed under Appendix II of the CITES Convention, and international trade is restricted.
Wetland conservation and management of feeding grounds in wintering areas are key to conservation.
Can Siberian Cranes be kept as pets?
As Siberian Cranes are an endangered species, it is extremely difficult to keep them as pets. Information is provided at events held at the zoo, so check the site map on their website to see the data, content and activities. Research is also progressing on this animal.
- Current Status of Captivity
They are primarily kept in zoos, research facilities, and conservation facilities.
Wild collection is strictly restricted, and private capture is illegal.
They are rarely kept as pets.
- Legal Restrictions
Protected as an Endangered Species
Listed in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), international trade requires a permit.
Private captivity is virtually impossible under the law in Japan, South Korea, and China.
Capturing and keeping wild specimens is illegal.
- Breeding Environment Requirements
Breeding Facility
A large area is required (space to walk around on the ground)
Recreate wetlands and shallow water areas
Provide water sources, moist soil, and grassland
Long-distance flight is difficult, but a large area to support flight is desirable
Diet
Omnivorous, but primarily plant-based
Aquatic plants, grains, and seeds
Supplementary insects and small aquatic organisms are also provided
A well-balanced diet that mimics feeding habits in wintering grounds is essential
Sociality
Must be kept in pairs during the breeding season
A large area that can mimic flocking behavior during wintering is desirable
- Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible
Since nests are built on the ground, a wetland or grassland must be recreated
Pair rearing simulates the brooding behavior of both males and females
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