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Project Noah Nature School
Grus Antigone
Sarus Crane reaches to the height of 200 cm with the wingspan of eight feet and weigh around 7.3 kg. This bird stands as tall as the man. It has long red legs. It's head and upper neck are also red in colour. It is highlighted with the white crown, which is covered with the green skin. It has a dark long pointed bill. Black hair like bristles cover the upper throat and neck. They have gray feathers over the ears. Females are shorter than the males. It is the world's tallest flying bird. It feeds on he diet includes frogs, reptiles, eggs of birds, turtles eggs, invertebrates, butterflies, grasshoppers, tubers of aquatic plants, cereals, potatoes, peas, berries and seeds.
In cultivated areas near water.
There are photos from 2 different spottings in this one. The last pic is taken on 7 Jun 2011. and the first 4 are taken on 30 Jan 2012. Both the spottings were in the same area, maybe within a radius of 10 kms approx.
Spotted on Jun 7, 2011
Submitted on Jun 8, 2011
10 Comments
Added to the Cranes Mission.
Uploaded some better pics from my recent spotting. I saw this family of four in a water hole. Last year I had a seen a couple (last pic) nearby this same area. The fourth pic shows the family portrait.
Thanks Stian.
Amazing bird! Great photos Satyen!
Thanks Emma.
lovely bird!
Recently learnt that the world's tallest flying bird is under threat: Sarus Crane is regarded as the threatened species. It is currently listed in the Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. IUCN (Red List) classifies Sarus Crane as vulnerable. The total population of Sarus Crane approximately lies between 13,500 to 15,500. Loss of wetland areas, egg damage by the humans and heavy use of pesticides has seriously declined the population of Sarus Crane. It is widely haunted by the villagers and is also used for the trade purpose in many countries.
I worked with Sarus Cranes in Southeast Asia for a couple of years. The ones I was working with are a different subspecies than the ones you photographed, but they are all impressive birds!
Thanks for the commt Gordon. They are the most amazing birds out of all the birds I've seen till now. I agree with you.
How cool is that?! I worked with a conservation organization working with cranes for many years. The Sarus were certainly one of the most magnificent due to their height and wingspan. Thanks for posting your photo!