Sarus Crane

The Sarus Crane is the tallest flying bird, with a striking grey body, long pink legs, and a bare red head and upper neck. Its wings have black flight feathers, contrasting with the lighter grey body plumage.

Both sexes look similar, with males being slightly larger. Juveniles have a brownish-grey head and neck, gradually acquiring adult colouration over their first year.

Sarus Cranes are known for their loud, trumpeting calls, often given in unison by pairs. Their distinctive 'kar-kar-kar' call can be heard over long distances, especially early morning and evening. During courtship, pairs perform synchronised calling, creating a haunting duet.

• Look for Sarus Cranes in wetlands, paddy fields, and agricultural areas
• Listen for their loud, trumpeting calls, especially at dawn and dusk
• Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing nesting pairs
• Use a spotting scope for detailed views of their distinctive red head and neck

Sarus Cranes are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant matter, insects, small vertebrates, and aquatic organisms.

They often forage in shallow water or agricultural fields, using their long bills to dig for tubers and probe for invertebrates in mud or soft soil.

Sarus Cranes form monogamous pairs that often mate for life. The breeding season varies by region but typically coincides with the monsoon or wet season. Pairs engage in elaborate courtship displays to strengthen their bond.

Nests are large platforms of vegetation, usually built in shallow water or on the ground in wetlands. The female typically lays two eggs, which are pale bluish-white with brown spots.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 31-34 days. Chicks fledge at 85-100 days but stay with their parents for up to 10 months, learning essential survival skills.

Sarus Cranes are known for their elaborate courtship dances involving synchronised jumping, wing flapping, and bugling calls. They are highly territorial during the breeding season, fiercely defending their nesting areas.

These cranes often forage in shallow water, using their long bills to probe for food.

The Sarus Crane faces threats from habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and wetland drainage.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats, reducing pesticide use in agricultural areas, and community-based conservation programs to safeguard nesting sites.