Sarus Crane Bird - Discover the Majestic Sarus Crane Bird: Habitat, Behavior, and Conservation Efforts
What is a Sarus Crane Bird?
The Sarus Crane, also known as the Saurus Crane, is a guest bird. They are called “koonj” / “Kounjay” in India and Pakistan. They are famous around the world for their height, and they are called the tallest flying birds in the world. The fully grown crane bird, while standing, is approx. 6 feet tall. They have a distinctive red head and neck, which contrasts with their mostly gray or white feathers. These birds demand attention whenever they fly because of their beauty. These beautiful birds are mostly found in wetlands, marshes, and agricultural fields but can also be found in grasslands, meadows, and other open areas in Asia and Australia. With time, they have adopted a variety of environments and can be seen in different places depending on the season and resource availability. In some parts of India, sarus cranes are considered sacred and a symbol of love and fidelity. They are monogamous and have a lifelong bond with their mates.
Profile
| Zoological Name | Grus antigone |
| Family | Gruidae family |
| Areas | Asia, and Australia |
| Category | Herbivore, Omnivore |
| Length | 5 to 6 feet |
| Age | up to 25 years in the wild and 40 in captivity |
| Build | Redhead and neck with white or gray plumage and long legs |
| Ability | Redhead and neck with white or gray plumage and long legs |
Sarus Crane’s Height, Weight, and Lifespan
These are large bird species that have a height of up to 6 feet and a weight between 6.5 and 9 Kg. They have an average lifespan of 25 years in the wild but can live up to 40 years in captivity with proper care.
Sarus Crane Habitant
These majestic birds are native to India, Nepal, and Pakistan and are mostly found in wetland habitat areas with shallow water that provides food and nesting sites. They fly gracefully, despite their size. They were endangered species due to continuous hunting and habitat loss. Efforts done by conservation organizations such as Keoladeo National Park in India, Chitwan National Park in Nepal, Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, the Atherton Tablelands in Australia, and Mai Po Nature Reserve in Hong Kong have ensured their survival for generations to come.
Sarus Crane’s Voice and Dance
They are famous for their distinctive trumping call for communication, which can be heard from miles away. They use their voice not only to communication but also to defend their territory. These birds are also known for their graceful courtship dance. When they get to pair up, they engage in synchronized movements. The dance is a romantic display, and it establishes and maintains their relationship bonds.
Sauras Crane in India and Pakistan
In India and Pakistan, they are known as “koonj”, and from the months of September to October, they migrate, and from February to March, they return to their homelands. In both countries, they are considered a symbol of happiness and prosperity. They are an important part of the culture and are often depicted in art, music, and literature. They are highly respected and revered. After their species were threatened by habitat loss and hunting, both counties put in equal efforts to conserve and protect them through habitat restoration and conservation programs.
What do they eat?
They are mostly herbivorous and sometimes omnivorous, meaning they commonly eat plant matter and sometimes amphibians, carrions, insects, small mammals, etc. They eat plant matter such as grains, seeds of herbs, grass, aquatic vegetation, and insects like lizards, snails, fish, frogs, and others.
Role in the Ecosystem
They control the population of hashrat (various small animals or insects that are pests). They also eat the seeds of herbs and release them in their beat, which helps disperse the seeds of herbs in different areas. They become the food of animals like jackals, foxes, etc., and make their population flourish.
Economic value
Their prices increase with age in captivity. When they are paired and then separated, they make sounds. Hunters use their sounds to attract other cranes, and because of that, they are highly valued in the market.
