Cranes

The crane family (Gruidae) includes as members the crowned cranes, the whooping crane and the common crane which has recently become re-established in Britain.

Genus

  • Anthropoides Demoiselle crane (species)

  • Grus cranes (Grus)

    Cranes in the genus Grus are usually migratory, although the brolga crane and sarus crane are not..

About

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds of the order Gruiformes, and family Gruidae. There are fifteen species. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Cranes live on all continents except Antarctica and South America.

Most species of cranes are at least threatened, if not critically endangered, within their range. The plight of the Whooping Cranes of North America inspired some of the first US legislation to protect endangered species.

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Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animal (animalia)

Phylum: Chordate (Chordata)

Class: Bird (Aves)

Order: Gruiformes

Family: Crane (bird) (Gruidae)

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