Cranes (Gruidae)

 

The Gruidae are a small family of large, long-legged and long-necked birds. It contains 3-4 genera and 15 species. Cranes inhabit all continents except Antarctica and South America, but are most diverse in East Asia and Africa. The majority of species nest in shallow wetlands, although some nest in grasslands. Nest is a mound of aquatic vegetation in shallow water or on land. Typical clutch contains 2 eggs; incubation lasts about a month; the young are semi-precocial. Species nesting in temperate zone are migratory. Cranes feeds on insects, worms, snails, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and plant matter (e.g., roots, rhizomes, tubers, seeds, berries, etc.). Most species are threatened by human activities and several are endangered.

 

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