Common Crane

Grus grus

(G. g. lilfordi)

Armenian Name:	Մոխրագույն կռունկ
Species Status:	Threatened Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 3 for Common Crane and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	110-120 cm, Wing Span:220-245 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 96.
Description:	Large bird with long neck and legs extended in flight; large tuft of plumes covers tail.
Adult:	Gray with black head with white stripe from side of head onto black neck; red crown patch and eye visible at close range. Often appears very pale at a distance.
Juvenile:	Orange-brown head and upper neck.
Similar Species:	Differs from Demoiselle Crane by larger size and gray lower neck and breast. Unlike herons, neck held straight in flight.
Behavior:	In flight, head, neck, and long legs appear to droop below body. Flight shows powerful wingbeats and long glides; soars on migration and flies in V-formation. Dancing display is characteristic in spring.
Habitat:	Mountain steppe with small wetlands, often adjacent to crop fields or meadows.
Food:	Plants, worms, insects, small vertebrates.
Nest:	Mound of vegetation with shallow cup, in marshes.
Eggs:	94 mm, 2, pale yellow-brown or olive with red-brown spots.