Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Sarus Crane
Scientific name- Grus Antigone
Size- 5 feet. 11 inch
Type- Aves
Habitat and Distribution –
Sarus crane can be spotted in West Bengal, Adam, Pakistan in India. Otherwise, they can be seen in Gujarat, West Bengal, Assam, and Pakistan.
Sarus cranes are found in Rice cultivation, Wetlands, Agricultural areas, and open woodland with vegetation.
Appearance and Diet
Sarus cranes are large birds with red heads and necks.
They have white and grey colour plumage. Wing tips have black patches. Legs are pink in colour
The Bill of a Sarus crane is a pointed Probing Bill. A bill that probes the vegetation and has an Omnivorous eating habit.
They feed on roots, seeds, rice, Crustaceans, snails, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, etc.
Breeding, Courtship and Nesting
Sarus cranes are monogamous birds that breed in the rainy season. From June to September in India.
This monogamous pair is Territorial.
They express their Territorial claims with Dance and calls.
The Courtship also involves a Dance and Bowing to impress.
Females lay 2 eggs and the incubation period is of 31-34 days.
Male defends the nesting site from intruders or Predators.
The chick becomes independent in 85-100 days. It takes time for chicks to access their motor skills for flight.
Threats and Ecological role
Sarus Crane controls the population of invertebrates’ and also the overgrowth of plants. Although Habitat loss, Drainage of wetlands, Human development, usage of pesticides on the vegetation they feed, collision on electric wires while in flight and sarus cranes are also hunted for food, their population is threatened.
Also See ⇒ Thrush Facts