Demoiselle Crane anthropoides virgo body plumage is pale bluish gray
Demoiselle Cranes are the smallest and second most abundant crane species. They stand approximately three feet tall and weigh about 4-7 pounds. Body plumage is pale bluish gray. A light gray-feathered area extends from the based of the bill to the nape. A long, pure white feather plume stretches from behind the eye to well beyond the head. Demoiselle Cranes are one of two species of cranes that do not have patches of bare, red skin on their heads. The head and neck are black while the feathers of the lower neck are long and pointed and hang below the breast. The inner secondaries are long and ashy gray. Eyes are reddish-orange, bill is short, and legs and toes are black. Males and females are virtually indistinguishable although the males tend to be slightly larger. Demoiselle Cranes are primarily birds of dry grasslands (savannas, steppes, and semi-deserts.) They do utilize agricultural fields and wetter steppe areas and are normally found within a few hundred meters of streams and rivers, shallow lakes, depressions, and other natural wetlands. Mated pairs of cranes, including Demoiselle Cranes, engage in unison calling, which is a complex and extended series of coordinated calls. The birds stand in a specific posture, usually with their heads thrown back and beaks skyward during the display. In Demoiselle Cranes, the female initiates the display and utters one call for each male call. All cranes engage in dancing, which includes various behaviors such as bowing, jumping, running, stick or grass tossing, and wing flapping. Dancing can occur at any age and is commonly associated with courtship, however, it is generally believed to be a normal part of motor development for crane s and can serve to thwart aggression, relieve tension, and strengthen the pair bond. There are six main populations of Demoiselle Cranes occurring in over 47 countries throughout the world.
Size: 2848px × 4288px
Location: Whitgift School South Croydon London
Photo credit: © Roland Pargeter / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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