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
