All About Cranes - Crane Facts & Information

It’s not often we’re talking about birds that date back 10 million years, but today, the Crane is our chosen topic. A Crane Bird is a majestic and historic species; and their history is quite something!

The Crane stands about 4 feet tall, with an impressive wingspan of 7.5 feet. They are grey, with a black and white head, a red crown patch, long curved tail feathers, and long legs and neck. They are quite something to see, and they stand out amongst our UK countryside. There are many different types of Cranes, for example, Sandhill Cranes are native to North America!

When flying, they are elegant, and throughout the breeding season they are well known for their elaborate performances in the sky to impress the ladies… During this time, their loud, trumpeting call can be heard from afar. 

Once upon a time, Cranes were widespread in the UK, but loss of habitat and hunting caused breeding birds to become extinct in the 16th century. In 1970, a small group of breeding bird Cranes were found breeding in the Norfolk Broads, and since then they have slowly been reintroduced to the UK as a small breeding population via many conservation projects, including the ‘Great Crane Project’. 

In the UK, breeding Cranes are resident, making short distance migrations in search of food and to escape harsh weather conditions. In some countries, they are migrating birds.

Wild birds with a long lifespan, the Common Crane typically live up to 20 years in the wild, but they have been known to live longer!

What Do Cranes Eat?

Common Cranes are omnivorous birds, and they eat a whole variety of things. A staple during seasons in which they need lots of energy, bird seeds and grains are a main part of their diet.

A lot of the time, you’ll see adult Cranes foraging in wetlands and muddy areas trying to dig up the roots and tubers of plants, as these are a source of carbohydrates. 

In wetlands, aquatic plants, and sometimes small fish, tadpoles and frogs are eaten too. (These are a big boost of protein!)

Typically, to find their food they forage in open fields, wetlands and shallow waters. They walk through these areas with their bill to the floor, probing the soil.

Habitat

Wetland habitat, marshes, bogs, dwarf heather habitats and swamps are all ideal environments for Cranes. They are abundant in plant matter, small animals and insects too!

When it comes to nesting, they prefer to nest in reed beds and secluded parts of marshes and these areas give them shelter and protection from predators. 

Although wetlands are the preferred habitat, Cranes do forage in open grasslands and agricultural fields. Open fields give them good visibility in case of any threats!

In the UK, Conservation efforts are focused on restoring wetland areas, such as the Norfolk Broads and Somerset Levels, by doing this, and reintroducing Cranes into the local habitats, the population has slowly increased!

Breeding Season 

During the crane breeding season, typically from April to June in the UK, the breeding population engage in intricate courtship displays and form strong pair bonds. Their iconic dances, involving synchronised leaps, bows, and graceful wing flapping, signal the start of the season as they attract mates or reinforce bonds with existing partners. 

Once a mate is chosen, the breeding pairs claims a territory, usually a secluded area within wetlands or dense reed beds that offers natural protection from predators. Together, they build a nest on the ground or in shallow water, weaving reeds and grasses into a sturdy platform to cradle their eggs.

After nest construction, the female usually lays one to two eggs, and both parents share incubation duties, fiercely guarding their nest from potential threats.

The eggs hatch after about 28 to 31 days, revealing down-covered chicks capable of walking within hours. Both parents are deeply involved in nurturing the chicks, providing them with a protein-rich diet of insects and small animals.

Over the next two months, the chicks grow quickly, learning essential survival skills as they prepare for fledgling. By around 65 to 70 days old, the young cranes are ready to leave the nest, although they often stay with their parents throughout the season.

This dedicated period of breeding and nurturing is crucial for the species’ recovery in the UK, where conservation efforts have created safe habitats for cranes to successfully raise their young.

Threats & Challenges

The wild population of Cranes face various threats and predators, especially during the breeding season when eggs and chicks are at their most vulnerable. Natural predators like foxes, raccoons, and large birds of prey pose significant risks, preying on unattended eggs or young chicks if the parents are distracted.

To protect their nests, crane parents are constantly on guard, employing loud alarm calls and defensive displays to deter these predators. Despite their vigilance, natural predation remains a constant challenge, particularly in regions where predator populations are high.

In addition to natural threats, human activities increasingly endanger crane populations. Disturbances from recreational visitors, nearby construction, and agricultural activities can disrupt the cranes’ breeding process, sometimes causing parents to abandon nests or fail to protect their young adequately. Habitat loss is another major threat, as wetland areas, essential for nesting and foraging, are often drained, polluted, or developed, reducing the safe spaces cranes depend on for successful breeding.

Climate change further complicates these issues, affecting water levels in wetlands and altering the availability of food sources. Together, these threats highlight the critical need for conservation efforts focused on protecting crane habitats and minimising human disturbances, helping to secure a stable environment where crane populations can thrive and expand.

Five Facts about Cranes

1. Cranes are among the oldest bird species, with fossils dating back over 10 million years.

2. They perform elaborate courtship dances, involving jumps, bows, and wing flapping.

3. Cranes are monogamous and can form lifelong bonds with their mates.

4. Their loud, trumpeting calls can carry for miles and are used to communicate over long distances.

5. Some crane species migrate thousands of miles annually, with stopovers involving tens of thousands of birds.