General Information
Also known as the Tibetan Crane, the Black-necked crane is quite tolerant of people and regularly feeds near human settlements, possibly because local religious beliefs protect them across much of their range.
Physical Description
The Black-necked crane is a large bird that measures up to 139 cm long with a wingspan of 235 cm. It weighs about 12 lbs full grown. The crane is whitish-gray with a black head, red crown patch, black upper neck and legs, and white patch to the rear of the eye. It has black primaries and secondaries. The male and female are generally indistinguishable although the males tend to be a little larger than the female.
Diet
All cranes are omnivorous. Black-necked Cranes eat on plant roots and tubers, insects, snails, shrimp, fish, frogs, lizards, voles, and waste grains.
Habitat
The Black-necked Crane inhabits China, India, Bhutan and Vietnam. It breeds on the Tibetan Plateau, with a small population in adjacent Ladakh, India.
Reproduction
Both the male and female are similar in appearance. Black-necked Cranes prefer to nest in high altitude freshwater wetlands. Nests are built on small, pre-existing grassy islands or in the water, and consist of mud, grass, sedges, and other aquatic plants. Females usually lay two eggs and both sexes will incubate for 30-33 days. The male takes the primary role in defending the nest against possible danger. The chicks will first fly approximately 90 days after hatching.
