What kind of bird (animal) is the sarus crane? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is the largest species of the crane family and is a very large bird. This bird is widely distributed from India to Southeast Asia and even Australia, but it is also an endangered species.
What is a sarus crane? About basic status
The sarus crane is a bird classified in the family Crane, family Crane, and genus Crane. Its kanji name is Ōtsuru, and its scientific name is Grus antigone. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | オオヅル |
| English（英名） | Sarus crane |
| scientific name(学名) | Grus antigone |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Gruiformes、Gruidae、Grus 鳥綱、ツル目、ツル科、ツル属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED |
| Length（全長） | 140-156cm |
| Weight（体重） | 3-4kg |
About classification
The following subspecies of Sarus crane exist:
- Grus antigone antigone (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Grus antigone sharpei (Blanford, 1895)
- Grus antigone gilliae (Schodde, 1988)
- Grus antigone luzonica (Hachisuka, 1941)
Taxonomy
- 界 (Kingdom): Animalia（動物界）
- 門 (Phylum): Chordata（脊索動物門）
- 綱 (Class): Aves（鳥綱）
- 目 (Order): Gruiformes（クイ目・ツル目）
- 科 (Family): Gruidae（ツル科）
- 属 (Genus): Antigone
- 種 (Species): Antigone antigone（オオヅル）
About habitat
Sarus cranes are distributed in India, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Australia.
- Natural Distribution (Place of Origin)
Indian Subcontinent
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal
Southeast Asia
Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos
Northern Australia
Wild individuals have been spotted in some areas
- Habitat
Prefers wetlands, swamps, and shallow rice paddies
Can also be found in open grasslands and marshes
Waterside habitat is essential
Requires shallow water for breeding and feeding
Coexistence with agricultural land
In rice-growing regions, they often feed in rice paddies
- Altitude/Range
Mainly flatlands to low mountains (0-500 m above sea level)
Open wetlands and agricultural land are more suitable habitats than highland forests
- Migration/Migration
Most individuals are sedentary
May migrate locally in search of food and water during the rainy and dry seasons
Long-distance migration is rare
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The sarus crane is the largest species of the crane family, and its entire body is covered with pale gray feathers. The top of the head and the tips of the eyes are grey-green, and the skin from the head to the top of the neck is exposed and red. It is a resident bird that settles from Southeast Asia to South Asia and Australia. The neck is covered with white feathers in the shape of a collar, and it lives in grasslands, wetlands, rivers, and farmland.
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Body Size
Body Length: Approximately 1.5 m
Wingspan: Approximately 2.2 m
Weight: Approximately 6-8 kg
Body Color
Overall color: Off-white to pale gray
The head and neck are red and featherless, exposing the skin
Tail feathers: Black
Legs and Beak
Long legs allow it to walk along waterside and grasslands
Its beak is somewhat long, suitable for pecking at food
Call
A distinctive “kurururu…” call that can be heard far and wide
Informs the presence of a flock or territory
💡 Appearance: Large and imposing, it is a majestic bird that stands out in open areas near water.
- Behavior and Personality
Personality
Timid and cautious
When threatened, they make loud noises and fly away in flocks.
Social
They live in couples or small flocks rather than alone.
They can sometimes gather in flocks of several dozen birds at feeding grounds.
Flight
Powerful flight with large wings.
They rarely migrate long distances, but tend to move locally.
- Diet
Omnivorous, but primarily feeds on plants.
Aquatic plants, seeds, grains, young rice shoots, etc.
They occasionally consume animal matter.
They also eat small insects and mollusks.
What does the ecology look like?
Sarus cranes are omnivores with a strong tendency to eat animals. This bird lives in large wetlands, lakes, and wetlands, and nests in the wetlands during the rainy season when it breeds. In India, two eggs are laid between July and October. The male and female take turns incubating the eggs. The incubation period is 1 month. The lifespan of the sarus crane is not clearly known.
- Living Environment
Live mainly in wetlands, shallow rice paddies, and marshes.
Often forage in open grasslands and rice paddies.
Waterside habitats are essential, and they are used for nest building and foraging.
- Diet
Omnivorous, but primarily plant-based.
Aquatic plants, seeds, and grains (such as rice).
Also eat sprouts and young grasses.
Animal feeding is supplementary.
May also eat insects, mollusks, and small fish.
Mainly find food by pecking, prodding, and pulling.
- Sociality
Mostly solitary. Spend in pairs or small groups.
Pairs cooperate during the breeding season.
May form flocks (of up to several dozen birds) at feeding areas.
Voice to mark territory and their presence within the flock.
- Breeding Behavior
Nest Building: Builds small ground nests in wetlands or grasslands surrounding rice paddies.
Breeding Season: Varies by region, but primarily during the rainy season.
Number of Eggs: Usually 2.
Parent Roles: Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks until they leave the nest.
- Movement and Behavior Patterns
Primarily sedentary
Moves locally depending on water and food availability
Rarely engages in long-distance migration
During the day, they forage, rest, and practice nesting.
Are there any natural enemies?
Sarus cranes have no natural enemies.
About Sarus Crane Chicks
This article provides detailed information about Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone) chicks. Sarus Cranes are large cranes, and their development depends heavily on the cooperation of their parents and the wetland environment.
- Birth and Hatching
Number of Eggs: Usually 2
Incubation Period: Approximately 28-30 days
Characteristics Immediately After Hatching
Feathers are pale gray or pale brown
Beaks are small and soft
Flightless
- Life at the Nest
Nest Location: Small ground nests built in marshes or grasslands
Parental Care
Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feed them after hatching
While the chicks are small, the parents guard them and keep a watchful eye on their surroundings
- Development
Early Stage (After Hatching – A Few Weeks)
Feathers are soft and flightless
They accompany their parents near water or grasslands and receive food
Middle Stage (A Few Weeks – 2 Months)
Feathers grow in and their bodies become stronger
They begin to practice pecking for food, imitating their parents
Late Stage (2-3 Months)
Feathers are fully grown and they are capable of short-distance flight
They gradually become independent from their parents
- Flight and Fledging
Learns to fly: Approximately 2-3 months after hatching
Fledging
Initially flies close to their parents
Once safety is ensured, they become fully independent
- Characteristics and Biology
Feathers are lighter than adult birds, ranging in color from gray to light brown
Learns how to forage under the guidance of their parents
Survival rates of eggs and chicks vary depending on the environment
Is the sarus crane an endangered species?
Sarus cranes are listed in Appendix II of CITES, and international trade is restricted. It is also designated as an endangered species. A 2009 survey estimated the population at 15,000 to 20,000 birds. Habitat destruction, hunting and gathering are major threats to this bird, and it is a bird that requires urgent conservation efforts. The Philippine population became extinct in the late 1960s.
- IUCN Red List Assessment
Classification: Vulnerable (VU: Endangered)
Reason: Population decline due to habitat destruction and the loss of agricultural land and wetlands
- Causes of Endangerment
Reduction of wetlands and rice paddies
Habitat shrinkage due to development and reclamation
Nesting and feeding habitat loss due to changes in water level management
Pesticides and pollution
Pesticides reduce the insect and aquatic plant populations that serve as food
Water pollution affects chick survival
Human capture and hunting
Captivity for food and ornamental purposes has been reported in some areas
Low reproductive rate
Only two eggs are usually laid, and chick survival rates vary depending on the environment
- Conservation Status
Protected areas and wetland conservation efforts are underway in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other countries.
In addition to wild conservation, captive breeding programs are also conducted in zoos.
Can sarus cranes be kept as pets?
As mentioned above, sarus cranes are designated as an endangered species, so keeping them in captivity is extremely difficult.
- Difficulty in Raising
Large Body Size
Adult birds reach a body length of approximately 1.5 m and a wingspan of approximately 2.2 m.
They cannot fit into a home cage or garden.
Wide Range
Prefers open areas such as wetlands and rice paddies.
They roam for long periods of time, so require ample space.
Loud Call
Their “Kurururu…” call can be heard far away.
Can be noisy in residential areas.
- Personality and Behavior
Timid and cautious.
They will fly away if they sense danger.
They are gregarious.
Keeping them alone is likely to cause stress.
- Laws and Permits
The Sarus Crane is a critically endangered species (VU) and is subject to the Wildlife Protection Act.
Special permits are required to keep them in Japan.
Keeping or selling them without a permit is illegal.
- Breeding Examples
Breeding in zoos and conservation facilities is practical.
Requirements:
Large outdoor space or a wetland-like environment
Diet: Maintain grains, aquatic plants, vegetables, insects, etc.
Breeding season management and chick protection
Veterinary health care
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