Grus grus lilfordi
< Rare and Endangered Animals of Armenia
The Common Crane
File:Crane.jpg The Common Crane (Grus grus), also known as the Eurasian Crane, is a bird of the family Gruidae, the cranes.
This species breeds in northern parts of Europe and western Asia. It is a long distance migrant wintering in Africa and southern Europe. Migrating flocks fly in a V formation.
In Great Britain it became extinct in the 17th century but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads. These birds are occasionally seen with flocks of migrating Sandhill Cranes in western North America.
The crane is a large stately bird, 44 inches long. It is grey with white facial streak and a bunch of black plumes on its tail. Adults have a red crown patch.
It has a loud trumpeting call, given in flight and display. It has a dancing display, leaping with wings uplifted.
It will eat insects, small birds and mammals.
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Animal in Armenia
Մոխրագույն կռունկ (“Mokhraguyn krunk”)
Status
Rare species. The number is rapidly decreasing.
Habitat in Armenia
Used to be met around Lake Sevan. Recently has been registered in Ghukasyan, Kalinino, and Stepanavan regions.
Number in the wild
2 – 3 pairs used to winter in Ghukasyan region every year. 4 – 5 pairs – in Kalinino. The overall number is about 10 pairs wintering in Armenia every year.
Reasons for decrease in number
Drainage of water reservoirs in Armenia. The use of the territories for industrial purposes.
Number in captivity
A regular bird in the zoos of the former Soviet Union and abroad.
Measures of protection taken
Hunting is forbidden in the territory of Armenia.