Japanse crane

The Japanese crane is one of the largest birds in the world. Standing at approximately 1.50 meters tall and with a wingspan of about 2.50 meters, it is also quite impressive. Its plumage is white, except for the neck, head, and wingtips, which are black. On top of its head, it has a bright red, bare patch of skin, reminiscent of the Japanese flag.

Living in small groups, the Japanese crane is monogamous and forms lifelong pairs after a very elaborate courtship dance, which is often depicted in Asian graphic art. It is a popular subject, especially in Chinese and Japanese paintings.

Its habitat consists of wetlands and deep marshes, but it also needs dry grasslands to build its nest.

With its long beak, it spears its prey while walking through the water: insects, mollusks, and crustaceans, but also buds and berries in season when it migrates to Siberia and Mongolia. However, the Japanese population does not migrate. Cranes symbolize luck and longevity in Asian cultures. Unfortunately, the species is rare and therefore classified as “endangered.”