Black Crowned-CraneBalearica pavoninaAn unusual, distinctive, and beautiful crane. The body is mostly blackish, but there is a pale wing panel, a pale pink-and-white cheek patch, and a bizarre yellow crest. Looks hunched in flight, when white wing panels become distinctive. Found in both wetland habitats and dry fields. Usually in pairs or flocks, which can sometimes be large. Similar to Gray Crowned-Crane, but distinguished by much darker base coloration and more pink on the face; there is little overlap in range. The call is a goose-like honking, often given in flight.Gruidae bird family
Order Gruiformes · 5 selected species
Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.
Black Crowned-CraneBalearica pavoninaAn unusual, distinctive, and beautiful crane. The body is mostly blackish, but there is a pale wing panel, a pale pink-and-white cheek patch, and a bizarre yellow crest. Looks hunched in flight, when white wing panels become distinctive. Found in both wetland habitats and dry fields. Usually in pairs or flocks, which can sometimes be large. Similar to Gray Crowned-Crane, but distinguished by much darker base coloration and more pink on the face; there is little overlap in range. The call is a goose-like honking, often given in flight.
BrolgaAntigone rubicundaTall pale gray crane with grayish legs and red bare skin on head that does not extend down the neck. Note red dewlap under chin. Juvenile is gray-headed, with immature birds developing a pink crown. Occurs in wetlands, floodplains, and grasslands across northern and eastern Australia. Take care to identify from Sarus Crane.
Sarus CraneAntigone antigoneTall pale gray crane with pink legs and red bare skin on head extending down the neck. Juvenile facial coloring less prominent. Typically wades in shallow wetlands or in cropped agricultural areas. Unmistakable in Asia. In Australia, take care to identify from Brolga, which has black legs and gray upper neck. Listen for its loud, far-carrying bugling calls.
Siberian CraneLeucogeranus leucogeranusRare and declining, but still fairly abundant at its main wintering grounds at Poyang Lake, in China’s Jiangxi Province. Adult is unmistakable with all-white plumage, save for a crimson face and black wingtips. Juveniles are whitish, with a light brown head, neck, back, and wings. Typically found around lake edges and fields, where it forages in small to medium-sized groups, primarily for plant matter and invertebrates.Siberian CraneLeucogeranus leucogeranusRare and declining, but still fairly abundant at its main wintering grounds at Poyang Lake, in China’s Jiangxi Province. Adult is unmistakable with all-white plumage, save for a crimson face and black wingtips. Juveniles are whitish, with a light brown head, neck, back, and wings. Typically found around lake edges and fields, where it forages in small to medium-sized groups, primarily for plant matter and invertebrates.