Cranes – Family Overview

Cranes are large, elegant birds belonging to the family Gruidae. They are characterised by their long legs, long necks, broad wings, and stately posture, often associated with open wetlands and grassland landscapes.

Most crane species inhabit a range of open habitats, including marshes, wetlands, floodplains, agricultural fields, and grasslands. They typically forage on the ground, feeding on a varied diet that includes grains, seeds, roots, insects, and small vertebrates.

Cranes are well known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve coordinated dancing, calling, leaping, and wing-flapping. These displays play an important role in pair bonding and are among the most distinctive behaviours observed in large birds.

Many crane species are long-distance migrants, travelling between breeding and wintering grounds across continents. India hosts both resident and migratory cranes, with wetlands and agricultural landscapes providing important wintering and stopover habitats.

Because of their dependence on large, undisturbed habitats, cranes are often considered indicator species for wetland and grassland health. Several species face conservation challenges due to habitat loss and human disturbance.

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Licensing & Prints

Selected photographs from this bird family are available for licensing and fine-art prints. You can explore curated images in the Cranes collection on BirdsPhotos Shop.