File:Grus grus 8.jpg

English: The DASHING, FIT, SLEEK & SMART, Glowing Eyes & full Gelled, Back parted Hairs!

The Common Crane, also known as the Eurasian crane, is a medium sized species, it is the only crane commonly found in Europe besides the Demoiselle Crane. This species have long neck & straight beak, color is slate grey overall, forehead & lores are blackish, a white streak extending from behind the eyes to the upper back. Overall color is darkest on the back, rump, palest , breast & wings. The tip of the tail, & edges of upper tail are all black. Eyes are Glowing Orange with patch of bare red skin on crown.

Facts 1. It has a loud trumpeting call, given in flight & display. The call is piercing & can be heard from a considerable distance. 2. These cranes are migratory, may travel up to 10,000 miles during migration & able to reach the height of 32 800 feet while flying. 3. The bird is symbolically significant in the Culture of India & Pakistan, where it is known as Koonj. 4. The name koonj is derived from the Sanskrit word kraunch, which is a cognate Indo-European term for crane itself. In the mythology of Valmiki, Hindu epic Ramayana. 5. Cranes are opportunistic feeders, they will eat whatever they can find in their habitat. Amphibians, fish, insects & small rodents, along with seed, berries & different plants. 6. The dance of the cranes is famous worldwide. Heads thrown back, wings flapping, tail feathers fluffed, & feet stamping; this is how they reinforce their pair bonds. Cranes were once so common in Britain that 204 were served roasted at a banquet for the Archbishop of York in 1465.

Specs: Scientific name: Grus grus. Family: Gruidae. Species: 15 approx. Habitat: All over the world except Antarctica & South America. Lifespan: 20-30 years. Length: Almost 35-40 inches approx. Height: 30-50 inches approx. Wingspan: 70-90 inches approx. Weight: 3-6 kg approx. Diet: Omnivorous; Insects (lizards, worms), Roots, Fruit seeds, Berries.

IUCN Status: Red List