Demoiselle Crane

Scientific Name: Grus virgo
Common Name: Demoiselle Crane
Other Name: Koonj

Identifying Features: large grey wings, greyish black neck, red eyes, grey crown, white hair extending backwards on head near eyes.

Fun Facts:

  • Smallest species of crane.
  • It is a prominent figure in the literature, idioms, poetry, etc. in Hinduism.
  • In the mythology of Valmiki (composer of the Ramayana), it is claimed that his first verse was inspired by the sight of a hunter kill the male of a pair of demoiselle cranes that were courting.

 

This image was clicked by Imran Shah – via Flickr.

Where have you seen this bird? Let us know in the comments below. You can also share a photo of this bird clicked by you by sending it to birdwatcher@delhigreens.org

Leave a Comment