Sarus Crane

Scientific Name: Grus antigone
Common Name: Sarus Crane

Identifying Features: large grey wings, head and upperparts of neck are red, greyish crown, and a long greenish-grey pointed bill,  long pink legs

Fun Facts:

  • World’s tallest extant flying bird.
  • The species is venerated in India and legend has it that the poet Valmiki cursed a hunter for killing a sarus crane and was then inspired to write the epic Ramayana.
  • It is widely believed that the sarus pairs for life and that death of one partner leads to the other pining to death. They are a symbol of marital virtue.

 

This image was clicked by Koshy Koshy – 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

1 thought on “Sarus Crane”

  1. Ujala

    -It is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh!

    -They breed in monsoons

    – During mating, they dance around each other, the male gives a single call while the female utters two!

    -Both sexes look similar, the male only slightly larger in figure!

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