We always sing this as we pass by Togoruu - to encourage them to dance ...
Fact File
Status: Not listed as threatened
Distribution: Central Eurasia from the Black Sea to Mongolia and NE China. Winters in Indian subcontinent and Africa. Small breeding population in Turkey.
Sexually Mature: 2 years
Number of Young: 2
Gestation: 28 days
Life Span: 29 years
Habitat: The demoiselle cranes mainly live in grassland areas, often close to streams or lakes. They can also be found in desert areas providing there is water available.
Their diet is varied, consisting mainly of seed heads and fresh tips of grasses, but can also include insects, worms and small vertebrates. They walk slowly whilst foraging for food.
The cranes spend very little time preparing a nest. They may gather some pebbles and plant material and build a nest in open grassland or on gravel, but often the eggs are laid directly on the ground. The eggs are incubated for 27 – 29 days.
The chicks are pale brown above and greyish white below. They fledge at 55 – 65 days – the shortest period of any of the cranes.
Demoiselle cranes are migratory. The birds from western Eurasia winter in Africa, from Chad to Ethiopia. The birds from central Asia, Mongolia and China winter in the Indian subcontinent.
The demoiselle crane numbers are threatened by habitat destruction, human disturbance and the intensive use of pesticides. The cranes are also shot or poisoned in areas where crop damage occurs.
Main Features: The demoiselle is the smallest of the cranes, with the male slightly larger than the female. One of only two types of crane to have an entirely feathered head.
In Captivity: Cranes at are fed on specially prepared crane pellets, whole wheat and cut maize. They are hardy birds so do not need any additional heat.They usually nest by gathering a few twigs together on the ground.
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