Animal Information

Red-crowned Crane

Grus japonensis

Red-crowned Crane

Range

They are found in Southeast Asia including Japan and China as well as in the Amur River basin near the China-Russia border. They often winter in coastal areas of China, Japan and on the Korean peninsula and summer in the wetlands of East Asia. A non-migratory population resides year-round in Hokkaido, Japan.

Habitat

Primarily reside in wetlands and deep water marshes (unusual for cranes) but have been known to inhabit agricultural land.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Red-crowned Cranes have white bodies with black at the tips on the anterior of the wings and on the neck. They are named for the red circular patch on their heads which is actually exposed skin.

Dietary Classification

Diet in the Zoo: veggies, eggs, mealworms, and commercial crane diet

Diet in the Wild: In the wild, red-crowned cranes feed on a variety of foods including: fish, amphibians, rodents, aquatic invertebrates, insects, grasses, reeds, corn, and other plants. In the winter they have also been known to feed on grain and waste from agricultural fields.

Life Span

Have been known to live up to 30 years in the wild and over 60 years in captivity

Behavior/Adaptations

* They have very sharp spear-like beaks that aid in food retrieval.
* Cranes exhibit a dancing display, characterized by head bobbing, bowing, leaps, and other gestures, for both courtship and general communication.
* Cranes are monogamous birds and generally pair for life.

Status

Endangered

Classification

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
Animalia Chordata Aves Gruiformes Gruidae Grus japonensis