Sarus Crane
Grus antigone
WILD STATUS
Current census not available. Considered at risk, thought to be less than 10,000
DISTRIBUTION
Historical range extended through India, Nepal, Pakistan, Burma, Thailand, and the Philippines. Currently, the bird is thriving in India where it has religious significance as a sacred bird to Hinduism. Uncertain and seldom seen throughout South East Asia, but has since the 1960’s been showing up and expanding its range in Australia. Plans are underway for re-introduction in Thailand as well as wetland restoration in Viet Nam and further studies in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.
SIZE
World’s tallest flying bird. 1.8m (6’) tall, wing-span 2.4m (8’). Weighs up to 8kg (18 lbs)
HABITAT
Swamp lands, recently harvested grain fields, grasslands
REPRODUCTION
Most often two eggs are laid each season
Most often two eggs are laid each season
DIET
Grain, tubers, marsh plants, waste wheat and rice, and grasses, insects and vertebrates such as water snakes and occasionally fish.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Nearly always two eggs are laid at 48 hours apart and incubated for 34 days.
- Both males and females sit on the eggs timed to a very punctual schedule set by the parents. By two days of age, the hatchlings can walk and swim.
- Nests are built in a wide variety of wetland locations including along canals and ditches, beside ponds and near rice paddies.
- Like all crane species, they engage in dancing behaviour, bowing, jumping, stick or grass tossing and wing flapping.
- Dancing has been observed during both winter and during the breeding season. This behaviour is associated with courtship, relief of tension and to strengthen pair bonds.
- Sarus cranes are silent during the night and during flight, but very noisy at dawn and dusk.
- Roosting is almost always done in shallow water as protection from predators.
- Main threats to Sarus cranes are habitat destruction and high human population growth. Sewage inflow to wet-lands, agricultural runoff and high levels of pesticide residue occur in populated areas. Hunting, egg stealing, and the capturing of chicks and adults are also widespread in India, Cambodia and Thailand.
HABITAT RANGE
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
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