Cranes of Pakistan
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cranes
Siberian Crane
PHOTO CREDIT:
Trevor Ford
Local name:
Safed Koonj
(Urdu)
Description and Biology
The Siberian Crane, also known as Asiatic Crane is snow white overall,
with red skin covering front of head, face and around the eyes. Bill is
long, thick and dark pink in color; legs are pinkish red. Wing tips are
black which is only visible in flight.The Siberian Crane is a fairly large
crane having a
The Siberian Cranes distinctive morphology, vocalizations, and
feeding and courtship behavior distinguish it from the other Grus species
(Johnsgard 1983, Sauey 1985). Its clear, high-pitched voice is unique
among cranes. It is also the most specialized in terms of its habitat
requirements, exclusively using wetlands for nesting, feeding, and
roosting. Siberian Cranes are most frequently observed wading and probing
for food in shallow (up to 30 cm) water. Fledged juveniles emit piercing
calls to solicit feeding by their parents, suggesting that Siberian Crane
chicks are more dependent on parental care than are post-fledged chicks of
other species.
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