Length
96 - 119 cm
Wingspan
180 - 222 cm
Classification
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Gruidae
Habitat
It breeds in boreal forest swamps, in lacustrine reedbeds or along rivers in wooded areas. The winter is spent in meadows, lagoons, marshes and holm oak pastures in southern Europe.
Description
Very large and tall, with very long legs and a long, narrow neck. Adults have a black and white head, with a small red spot on the crown. The plumage of the body is pale bluish-grey, although most of the breeding individuals have a reddish-brown back as their feathers are dyed by the muddy waters when they incubate. When perched, the tertiary feathers form a eye-catching “ostrich tail” bundle. They fly with their necks and legs fully extended, often seen flying in groups in a V formation.
Description
Very large and tall, with very long legs and a long, narrow neck. Adults have a black and white head, with a small red spot on the crown. The plumage of the body is pale bluish-grey, although most of the breeding individuals have a reddish-brown back as their feathers are dyed by the muddy waters when they incubate. When perched, the tertiary feathers form a eye-catching “ostrich tail” bundle. They fly with their necks and legs fully extended, often seen flying in groups in a V formation.
Resident | Transient | Winter | Summer