Sarus Crane

Description:

Threatened to endangered in their natural habitat. The species is classified as Endangered under the revised IUCN Red List Categories. The adult Sarus Crane is very large with grey wings and body; a bare red head and part of the upper neck; a greyish crown; and a long greenish-grey pointed bill. In flight, the long neck is held straight, unlike that of an heron, which folds it back, and the black wing tips can be seen; the crane's long pink legs trail behind them. This bird has a grey ear covert patch, an orange-red iris and a greenish-grey bill. Juveniles have a yellowish base to the bill and the brown-grey head is fully feathered.[5] The bare red skin of the adult's head and neck is brighter during the breeding season. This skin is rough and covered by papillae, and a narrow area around and behind the head is covered by black bristly feathers. The sexes do not differ in plumage although males are on average larger than females; male Sarus of the Indian population can attain a maximum height of about 180 cm (5.9 ft) making them the world's tallest extant flying bird. The weight of nominate race individuals is 6.8–7.8 kg (16 lb), while five adult sharpii averaged 8.4 kg (18.5 lb). Across the distribution range, the weight can vary from 5 to 12 kg (11–26 lbs), height typically from 115 to 167 cm (45–69 in) and the wingspan from 220 to 250 cm (87–100 in).[6] Birds from Australia tend to be smaller than birds from the north

Habitat:

Although Sarus Cranes are non-migratory, populations move on a seasonal basis in response to monsoons and droughts. Indian Sarus Cranes are more sedentary than Eastern and Australian Sarus Cranes, undertaking extended movement only during times of severe drought. The Indian Sarus Crane have adapted to the high growth of human population and they are able to use even small wetlands if they are not heavily disturbed. Breeding pairs and families with pre-fledged chicks are typically dispersed among scattered natural and artificial wetlands. Adult pairs will use drier habitats such as cultivated and fallow fields, and degraded (saline and water-logged) lands. Eastern Sarus Cranes are less tolerant of people and are dependent on natural wetlands in both the wet and dry seasons. Australian Sarus Cranes nest in open wetlands during wet season and feed in upland agricultural fields and grasslands at other times of the year.

Notes:

The world's tallest flying birds, some of the largest specimens may reach a height of 7 feet with an 8 to 9 foot wing span. Sarus cranes have a life span up to 80 years.