Scientific Name:
Anthropoides virgo
Distribution
C Eurasia from Black Sea E to Mongolia and NE China. Winters in Indian Subcontinent and sub-Saharan Africa.
Diet:
Omnivore. Mainly seeds (especially of grasses) and other plant materials, insects (especially beetles), worms, lizards and other small vertebrates.
Facts
Habitat: Savanna and other grassland types, wetlands, deserts with available water.
Incubation: 27-29 days / 2 eggs
Social structure: Pairs, small groups or large flocks up to 400 individuals (during migration)
Weight: 3000gr max
Dimensions: 90-100cm wingspan: 150-170cm
Lifespan: 27
Estimated population in the wild: 230,000-261,000
Threats: Habitat loss and degradation from agriculture, disturbance due to rising human populations, intensive use of pesticides, hunting for sport, shooting or intentional poisoning where crop damage occurs.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Did you know that:
- They form lifelong monogamous pair bonds.
- The pairs perform an elaborate ballet-like mating dance before copulation. This strengthens the bond between the pair and synchronizes sexual response.
- Vocalizations have a critical role in the interaction, development and maintenance of pair bonds. Their unison calls are important for the ovarian development of the female.
- In ancient Egyptian tombs, demoiselle cranes have a strong appearance in the ancient art.