Manchurian Crane
One of the largest flying birds
One of the largest flying birds in the world: It is the only crane capable of feeding in deep water, thanks to a technique in which it wades through the current, submerged up to its mid-body, and catches any prey that comes its way.
Its body is entirely white, except for the tips of its wings and its neck, which are black. It has become sedentary because it is fed and protected in Japan, where it is called Tancho. This crane, believed to live for a thousand years, symbolizes longevity, good luck, love, and fidelity. It can even be found on the back of banknotes and in origami classes (folded paper figures).
IUCN status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN)
Description
Grus japonensis
Gruids
9kg
160cm
Wetlands and rainforests of East Asia
Vulnerable
50 years
Did you know?
In fact, it can live for about 50 years in captivity.
However, hunting and urbanization have contributed significantly to the species’ decline. As the second most endangered crane after the whooping crane, it suffers from poaching and damage to its habitat, such as logging and wildfires.
Food
It feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, fish, frogs, and rodents.
