Birds
File:Grus japonensis -Hokkaido, Japan -several-8 (1).jpg

Red-crowned Crane

Red-crowned Crane

100
2 months ago
Spotted
The Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) is one of the rarest cranes and a symbol of luck, longevity, and fidelity in East Asian cultures. It is magnificent with its pure white plumage, black secondary feathers, and a distinctive red patch on its crown.
Where to spot
Breeds in eastern Russia, northeastern China, and Hokkaido, Japan. Winters in Japan, China, and Korea. Inhabits extensive freshwater marshes, rice paddies, and coastal wetlands.
How to spot
Look for its striking white plumage, black wingtips, and red crown. They are large and conspicuous in open wetlands. Observe their elegant dances and listen for their loud, resonant calls.
When to spot
Best observed during winter (November-March) at its main wintering grounds in Japan and South Korea, where they gather in large numbers. Breeding areas are often remote.
File:Grus japonensis -Hokkaido, Japan -several-8 (1).jpg
File:Grus japonensis Kushiro 1.jpg
File:Grus japonensis Kushiro 4.jpg
File:Grus japonensis Qiqihar.jpg
File:Grus japonensis in Senmou-Line.jpg
File:Grünau Manschurenkranich Grus japonensis-0835.jpg
File:Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) in Zooparc de Trégomeur, 2025.jpg
File:Red Crowned Crane Grus Japonensis (141047777).jpeg
File:Grus japonensis -Hokkaido, Japan -several-8 (1).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grus japonensis Kushiro 1.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grus japonensis Kushiro 4.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grus japonensis Qiqihar.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grus japonensis in Senmou-Line.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Grünau Manschurenkranich Grus japonensis-0835.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) in Zooparc de Trégomeur, 2025.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Red Crowned Crane Grus Japonensis (141047777).jpeg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Known for their elaborate and graceful courtship dances, especially during winter in snowy landscapes, which have been depicted in art and folklore for centuries.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
1 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
2 months ago
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Monthly observations

1 observation
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jenny van Dorland
jenny van Dorland
1 year ago
Red-crowned Crane
釧路市,
Spotted Red-crowned Crane
Spotted Red-crowned Crane
+165
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