Demoiselle crane
Scientific name: Anthropoides virgo
IUCN listed as: Least Concern
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
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Everyday
Diet
The Demoiselle Crane’s diet mainly consists of plant materials such as seeds, grains, and berries. During the breeding season, they also consume insects and small vertebrates to meet their increased nutritional needs. They forage in fields and wetlands, often following agricultural practices for leftover grains. These cranes are opportunistic feeders, adapting their diet based on the availability of food sources in their habitats. This flexibility in diet is crucial for their survival across diverse environments.
Demoiselle Cranes eat seeds, grains, and berries. In spring, they also eat insects and small animals. They look for food in fields and wetlands, eating what’s available. This helps them live in many different places.
Breeding
Demoiselle Cranes breed in the late spring and early summer, typically from April to June. They build their nests on the ground, often in open, dry areas to avoid predators. The female usually lays two eggs, which both parents incubate for about 27-29 days. After hatching, the chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile. Both parents care for the chicks, guiding them to feeding areas and protecting them until they can fend for themselves.
These cranes have babies in spring and summer. They make nests on the ground and usually lay two eggs. Both parents keep the eggs warm, and the chicks can move around soon after hatching. Mum and Dad take care of the chicks until they grow up.
Habitat
The Demoiselle Crane inhabits a range of environments, including dry grasslands, savannas, and wetlands. They are migratory birds, breeding in central Asia and wintering in northern Africa and the Indian subcontinent. These cranes prefer open landscapes that provide ample foraging opportunities and visibility to spot predators. Human activities such as agriculture and urbanisation have impacted their habitats, but they have shown resilience by adapting to modified landscapes. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats and migration corridors.
Demoiselle Cranes live in grasslands, savannas, and wetlands. They migrate, which means they move from central Asia to Africa and India during winter. They like open areas where they can find food and see predators. Although humans change their homes, these cranes adapt well.
At the zoo
Demoiselle Cranes are popular in zoos due to their striking appearance and graceful movements. They require spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitat, with access to both wetland and dry areas. Zoos provide a varied diet similar to their natural food sources, including grains, seeds, and insects. Breeding programmes in zoos aim to maintain healthy genetic diversity and educate the public about the species’ conservation. Their presence in zoos helps raise awareness about their natural habitats and the importance of conserving wetlands.
Demoiselle Cranes are popular in zoos because they look beautiful and move gracefully. They need big spaces with both wet and dry areas. Zoos feed them grains, seeds, and insects. Zoos also help people learn about these cranes and how to protect their homes.
Behaviour
Demoiselle Cranes are highly social birds, often found in large flocks outside the breeding season. They perform elaborate courtship dances, involving bowing, jumping, and flapping their wings to attract mates. During migration, they travel in large groups, flying at high altitudes to avoid predators and navigate long distances. These cranes communicate through a variety of vocalisations, including loud calls that help maintain group cohesion. Their behaviour is a fascinating display of coordination and social interaction.
These cranes are social and like being in groups. They do special dances to find a mate, jumping and flapping their wings. When migrating, they fly in large groups to stay safe. They make loud calls to talk to each other and stay together.
Fun facts
- Longest Migration: Demoiselle Cranes travel over 5,000 kilometres during migration.
- Courtship Dance: Their courtship dance includes bows, jumps, and wing flaps.
- High Flyers: They fly at high altitudes, sometimes over the Himalayas.
- Symbol of Elegance: In many cultures, they symbolise grace and elegance.
- Group Living: They are social birds, often seen in large flocks.
- Long Travels: Demoiselle Cranes fly more than 5,000 kilometres when they migrate.
- Dance Moves: They do special dances to find a mate, which include jumping and flapping.
- High Flyers: They can fly very high, even over tall mountains like the Himalayas.
- Elegant Birds: People think of them as symbols of grace and beauty.
- Big Groups: These cranes love being in big groups and are very social.
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