Difference between revisions of "Crane (bird)" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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Cranes have a long bill, long neck, and long legs. They are wading birds like the herons that they resemble, but the herons are placed in the Ardeidae family of the Ciconiiformes order. Traditionally, Ciconiiformes has included a variety of large, long-legged wading birds with large bills: [[stork]]s, herons, [[egret]]s, ibises, spoonbills, and several others. The cranes belong to the Guidae family of the order [[Gruiformes]], an order that includes rails, limpkins, finfoots, and trumpeters. Altough the cranes seem similar to the herons, anatomical evidence, as well as recent molecular evidence, supports the closer relationship to the rails and so forth of Gruiformes.
 
Cranes have a long bill, long neck, and long legs. They are wading birds like the herons that they resemble, but the herons are placed in the Ardeidae family of the Ciconiiformes order. Traditionally, Ciconiiformes has included a variety of large, long-legged wading birds with large bills: [[stork]]s, herons, [[egret]]s, ibises, spoonbills, and several others. The cranes belong to the Guidae family of the order [[Gruiformes]], an order that includes rails, limpkins, finfoots, and trumpeters. Altough the cranes seem similar to the herons, anatomical evidence, as well as recent molecular evidence, supports the closer relationship to the rails and so forth of Gruiformes.
  
 +
[[Image:Red-crowned Crane head.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Closeup of the red-crowned crane's head]]
 
Cranes tend to be larger than herons and with a heaver bill and elevated hind toe. In addition, as noted above, herons tend to fly with their necks retracted, not outstretched like the crane.
 
Cranes tend to be larger than herons and with a heaver bill and elevated hind toe. In addition, as noted above, herons tend to fly with their necks retracted, not outstretched like the crane.
  
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Most cranes have elaborate, rhythmic, and noisy courting displays or "dances" that both males and females engage in during the mating season. They are renowned for their loud trumpeting call that carries for many kilometers.  
 
Most cranes have elaborate, rhythmic, and noisy courting displays or "dances" that both males and females engage in during the mating season. They are renowned for their loud trumpeting call that carries for many kilometers.  
  
While folklore often states that cranes mate for life, recent scientific research indicates that these birds do change mates over the course of their (considerable) lifetimes (Hayes 2005). Some species and/or populations of cranes [[bird migration|migrate]] over long distances, while some do not migrate at all. Cranes are gregarious, forming large flocks where their numbers are sufficient.
+
While folklore often states that cranes mate for life, recent scientific research indicates that these birds do change mates over the course of their (considerable) lifetimes (Hayes 2005). Some species and/or populations of cranes [[bird migration|migrate]] over long distances, while some do not migrate at all. For example, the [[endangered species|endangered]] red-crowned crane, ''Grus japonensis'', also called the Japanese crane, spends the spring and summer in [[Siberia]], where their eggs hatch, but in the fall it migrates in flocks to [[Korea]], [[Japan]], [[China]], [[Taiwan]], and other countries in [[East Asia]] to spend the winter. All red-crowned cranes migrate, except for a flock that stays in [[Hokkaidō]], Japan, year long. Cranes are gregarious, forming large flocks where their numbers are sufficient.
  
 +
===Conservation status===
  
== Systematics ==
+
The Siberian crane, ''Grus leucogeranus'', also known as the Siberian white crane or the snow crane, is the most critically endangered species of crane, with a total population placed at less than 3,000. It is a strongly migratory species. The central population that once nested in western Siberia and wintered in India was last seen in 2002 (ICF 2007  ) and may have extirpated. The eastern population breeds in northeastern Siberia and winter along the Yangtze River in China but is threatened by recent construction. The small western population winters at one site in Iran and breeds east of the Ural Mountains in Russia (ICF 2007). 
[[Image:Grey Crowned Crane.jpg|thumb|202px|[[Grey Crowned Crane]], ''Balearica regulorum'']]
+
 
 +
The red-crowned crane is the second rarest crane in the world. Of the 15 species of cranes, only the sandhill crane (''Grus canadensis''), Brolga crane (''Grus rubicunda''), demoiselle crane (''Anthropoides virgo''), Eurasia crane or common crane (''Grus grus''), and gray crowned crane (''Balearica regulorum'') are not listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
 +
 
 +
== Species ==
 +
[[Image:Grey Crowned Crane.jpg|thumb|202px|[[Gray Crowned Crane]], ''Balearica regulorum'']]
 
There are 15 living [[species]] of cranes in 4 [[genera]]:
 
There are 15 living [[species]] of cranes in 4 [[genera]]:
  
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* '''Genus ''[[Balearica]]'''''
 
* '''Genus ''[[Balearica]]'''''
 
** [[Black Crowned Crane]], ''Balearica pavonina''
 
** [[Black Crowned Crane]], ''Balearica pavonina''
** [[Grey Crowned Crane]], ''Balearica regulorum''
+
** [[Gray Crowned Crane]], ''Balearica regulorum''
 
'''SUBFAMILY GRUINAE''' - typical cranes
 
'''SUBFAMILY GRUINAE''' - typical cranes
 
* '''Genus ''[[Grus (bird)|Grus]]'''''
 
* '''Genus ''[[Grus (bird)|Grus]]'''''
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** [[Wattled Crane]], ''Bugeranus carunculatus''
 
** [[Wattled Crane]], ''Bugeranus carunculatus''
  
The [[fossil]] record of cranes leaves much to be desired. Apparently, the subfamilies were well distinct by the Late [[Eocene]] (around 35 [[mya (unit)|mya]]). The present genera are apparently some 20 mya old. [[Biogeography]] of known fossil and the living taxa of cranes suggests that the group is probably of ([[Laurasia]]n?) Old World origin. The extant diversity at the genus level is centered on (eastern) [[Africa]], making it all the more regrettable that no decent fossil record exists from there. On the other hand, it is peculiar that numerous fossils of [[Ciconiiformes]] are documented from there; these birds presumably shared much of their [[habitat]] with cranes back then already.
+
== Cranes in culture ==
 
 
Fossil genera are tentatively assigned to the present-day subfamilies:
 
 
 
'''Balearicinae'''
 
*''[[Geranopsis]]'' (Hordwell Late Eocene - Early Oligocene of England)<!-- BullAMNH151:1—>
 
'''Gruinae'''
 
* ''[[Palaeogrus]]'' (Middle Eocene of Germany and Italy - Middle Miocene of France)<!-- BullAMNH151:1—>
 
* ''[[Pliogrus]]'' (Early Pliocene of Eppelsheim, Germany)<!-- BullAMNH151:1—>
 
* ''[[Camusia]]'' (Late Miocene of Menorca, Mediterranean)<!-- AnuOrnitolBalears16:3 —>
 
* ''"Grus" conferta'' (Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of Contra Costa County, USA) - see Miller & Sibley (1942)<!-- Condor44:126; Condor46:25 —>
 
'''Sometimes considered Gruidae'''
 
* ''[[Eobalearica]]'' (Ferghana Late? Eocene of Ferghana, Uzbekistan)<!-- BullAMNH151:1—>
 
* ''[[Probalearica]]'' (Late Oligocene? - Middle Pliocene of Florida, USA, France?, Moldavia and Mongolia) - A ''[[nomen dubium]]''?<!-- BullAMNH151:1—>
 
* ''[[Aramornis]]'' (Sheep Creek Middle Miocene of Snake Creek Quarries, USA)<!-- AmMusNovit211:1; BullAMNH151:1—>
 
 
 
The supposed ''Grus prentici'' is not a true crane; it was eventually placed in the genus ''[[Paragrus]]'' (Lambrecht 1933:520).
 
 
 
== Cranes in popular culture ==
 
 
[[Image:PC280527.JPG|thumb|300px|Sandhill Crane]]
 
[[Image:PC280527.JPG|thumb|300px|Sandhill Crane]]
*In [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]'s TV series ''[[Prison Break]]'', the protagonist ([[Michael Scofield]]) leaves paper folded cranes at important places in his attempt to arrange escape from prison for himself and his older brother ([[Lincoln Burrows]]). Late in the first season it becomes clear that Lincoln used to leave paper cranes by Michael's bedside when they were kids, and that the crane supposedly stands for 'a familial obligation' and 'watching out for your own'.
 
 
*On ''[[The Future Is Wild]]'', a large bird known as the [[great blue windrunner]] is a fictional descendant of cranes.
 
  
*On [[The Decemberists]] CD ''[[The Crane Wife]]'', they have 2 songs creating a story about a crane wife.
 
 
In the (1939) movie The Wizard of Oz, a bizarre rumor that one of the Munchkins hanged himself in the forest set is easily disproved by close inspection of the scene. The supposed body, swinging from a tree branch in the forest set, is actually a live crane in the background. It can be seen as the characters exit the forest near the Tin Man's cottage.
 
 
=== Myth and lore ===
 
 
The cranes' beauty and their spectacular mating dances have made them highly symbolic birds in many cultures with records dating back to ancient times. Crane mythology is widely spread and can be found in areas such as the [[Aegean Sea|Aegean]], South [[Arabian peninsula|Arabia]], [[China]], [[Japan]] and in the Native American cultures of North America. In northern [[Hokkaidō]], the women of the [[Ainu people]], whose culture is more [[Siberia]]n than Japanese, performed a crane dance that was captured in [[1908]] in a photograph by [[Arnold Genthe]]. In [[Korea]], a crane dance has been performed in the courtyard of the Tongdosa Temple since the [[Silla Dynasty]] (646 C.E.).
 
The cranes' beauty and their spectacular mating dances have made them highly symbolic birds in many cultures with records dating back to ancient times. Crane mythology is widely spread and can be found in areas such as the [[Aegean Sea|Aegean]], South [[Arabian peninsula|Arabia]], [[China]], [[Japan]] and in the Native American cultures of North America. In northern [[Hokkaidō]], the women of the [[Ainu people]], whose culture is more [[Siberia]]n than Japanese, performed a crane dance that was captured in [[1908]] in a photograph by [[Arnold Genthe]]. In [[Korea]], a crane dance has been performed in the courtyard of the Tongdosa Temple since the [[Silla Dynasty]] (646 C.E.).
  
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Also, traditional [[China|Chinese]] 'heavenly cranes' (''tian-he'') or 'blessed cranes' (''xian-he'') were messengers of wisdom. Legendary [[Tao]]ist sages were transported between heavenly worlds on the backs of cranes.
 
Also, traditional [[China|Chinese]] 'heavenly cranes' (''tian-he'') or 'blessed cranes' (''xian-he'') were messengers of wisdom. Legendary [[Tao]]ist sages were transported between heavenly worlds on the backs of cranes.
  
==See also==
+
[[Image:Jal60s.gif|left|thumb|One of the official logos of [[Japan Airlines]] features a red crowned-crane.]] The red-crowned crane is a common symbol of luck and fidelity. In [[Japan]], the crane, known as ''tancho'', is said to live 1000 years. Coincidentally, a pair of Red-crowned Crane was used as a design in the D series of 1000 [[Japanese yen|yen]] note. In [[Ainu language]], this crane is known as ''sarurun kamui'' or marsh [[kamui]].
*[[International Crane Foundation]]
+
 
 +
In [[China]], the Red-crowned Crane is often featured in myths and legends. In [[Taoism]], the Red-crowned Crane is a symbol of longevity and immortality. In art and literature, immortals are often depicted riding on cranes. A mortal who attains immortality is similarly carried off by a crane. Reflecting this association, Red-crowned Cranes are called ''xian he'', or fairy crane. The Red-crowned Crane is also a symbol of nobility. Depictions of the crane has been found in [[Shang Dynasty]] tombs and [[Zhou Dynasty]] ceremonial bronzeware. A common theme in later Chinese art is the reclused scholar who cultivates bamboo and keeps cranes.
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
* '''Hayes''', M.A. (2005): ''Divorce and extra-pair paternity as alternative mating strategies in monogamous sandhill cranes''. MS thesis, University of South Dakota, Vermilion, S.D.. 86 p. PDF fulltext at the [http://www.savingcranes.org/conservation/our_projects/program.cfm?id=35 International Crane Foundation's Library]
 
* '''Hayes''', M.A. (2005): ''Divorce and extra-pair paternity as alternative mating strategies in monogamous sandhill cranes''. MS thesis, University of South Dakota, Vermilion, S.D.. 86 p. PDF fulltext at the [http://www.savingcranes.org/conservation/our_projects/program.cfm?id=35 International Crane Foundation's Library]
 +
 +
International Crane Foundation (ICF). 2007. [http://www.savingcranes.org/species/siberian.cfm Siberian crane]. ''International Crane Foundation''. Retrieved July 28, 2007.
 +
 +
 +
  
 
* '''Lambrecht''', Kálmán (1933): ''Handbuch der Palaeornithologie''. Gebrüder Bornträger, Berlin.
 
* '''Lambrecht''', Kálmán (1933): ''Handbuch der Palaeornithologie''. Gebrüder Bornträger, Berlin.
Line 127: Line 113:
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
* [http://www.savingcranes.org/ Saving Cranes website (ICF)]
+
* [http://www.savingcranes.org/ Saving Cranes website (ICF)]. Retrieved July 29, 2007.
* [http://home.nikocity.de/craneworld/index_en.htm Craneworld website]
+
 
* [http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/familia.phtml?idFamilia=43 Gruidae videos] on the Internet Bird Collection
 
* [http://www.metacafe.com/watch/291919/the_scofields_crane//R/ffd_201 Origami crane]
 
  
=== Myth and Lore links ===
 
*[http://www.blueroebuck.com/crane.htm Crane mythologies]. Not selective, a starting point
 
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20041010053428/http://www.yscity.or.kr/yangsan-city/sub_1doc/e_sub/sub4/main_01_4.htm Crane Dance at the Tongdosa Temple] ([[Internet Archive|archive]] link, was [[Dead link|dead]])
 
*[http://rosella.apana.org.au/~mlb/cranes/lore.htm#Family Thousand Cranes] lore.
 
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
{{credit|Crane|144359812|Wattled_Crane|130348349|Sarus_Crane|147285229}}
+
{{credit|Crane|144359812|Wattled_Crane|130348349|Sarus_Crane|147285229|Red-crowned_Crane|146165188}}

Revision as of 01:49, 29 July 2007


Cranes
Indian Sarus Crane Gruzs antigone antigone
Indian Sarus Crane
Gruzs antigone antigone
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Gruidae
Vigors, 1825
Genera
  • Grus
  • Anthropoides
  • Balearica
  • Bugeranus

In botany, a crane is any of the large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds comprising the family Guidae of the order Gruiformes. They are similar in appearance to some species of the unrelated herons, but, among other differences, cranes fly with necks outstretched (and stiltlike legs trailing behind), whereas herons fly with their necks retracted.

There are 15 extant species of cranes. There are representatives of this group on all the 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.


Description

Cranes have a long bill, long neck, and long legs. They are wading birds like the herons that they resemble, but the herons are placed in the Ardeidae family of the Ciconiiformes order. Traditionally, Ciconiiformes has included a variety of large, long-legged wading birds with large bills: storks, herons, egrets, ibises, spoonbills, and several others. The cranes belong to the Guidae family of the order Gruiformes, an order that includes rails, limpkins, finfoots, and trumpeters. Altough the cranes seem similar to the herons, anatomical evidence, as well as recent molecular evidence, supports the closer relationship to the rails and so forth of Gruiformes.

File:Red-crowned Crane head.jpg
Closeup of the red-crowned crane's head

Cranes tend to be larger than herons and with a heaver bill and elevated hind toe. In addition, as noted above, herons tend to fly with their necks retracted, not outstretched like the crane.

The Sarus Crane, Grus antigone, found in northern Pakistan, India, Nepal, Southeast Asia, and Queensland, Australia, is the largest crane, averaging 156 centimeters. However, Indian males can can attain a maximum height of approximately 200 centimeters (6.6 feet), with a wingspan of 250 centimeters (8.5 feet), making them the world's tallest living flying bird. The Wattled Crane, Bugeranus carunculatus, which is found in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, is the largest crane in Africa and the second tallest species of crane, reaching a height of up to 172 centimeters (six feet).

Cranes are found in wetlands and grass plains. They are opportunistic feeders that change their diet according to the season and their own nutrient requirements. They eat a range of items from suitably sized small rodents, fish, amphibians, and insects, to grain, berries, and plants. (The cranberry is so-named for its flowers' resemblance to the neck and head of the crane.)

Most cranes have elaborate, rhythmic, and noisy courting displays or "dances" that both males and females engage in during the mating season. They are renowned for their loud trumpeting call that carries for many kilometers.

While folklore often states that cranes mate for life, recent scientific research indicates that these birds do change mates over the course of their (considerable) lifetimes (Hayes 2005). Some species and/or populations of cranes migrate over long distances, while some do not migrate at all. For example, the endangered red-crowned crane, Grus japonensis, also called the Japanese crane, spends the spring and summer in Siberia, where their eggs hatch, but in the fall it migrates in flocks to Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and other countries in East Asia to spend the winter. All red-crowned cranes migrate, except for a flock that stays in Hokkaidō, Japan, year long. Cranes are gregarious, forming large flocks where their numbers are sufficient.

Conservation status

The Siberian crane, Grus leucogeranus, also known as the Siberian white crane or the snow crane, is the most critically endangered species of crane, with a total population placed at less than 3,000. It is a strongly migratory species. The central population that once nested in western Siberia and wintered in India was last seen in 2002 (ICF 2007 ) and may have extirpated. The eastern population breeds in northeastern Siberia and winter along the Yangtze River in China but is threatened by recent construction. The small western population winters at one site in Iran and breeds east of the Ural Mountains in Russia (ICF 2007).

The red-crowned crane is the second rarest crane in the world. Of the 15 species of cranes, only the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis), Brolga crane (Grus rubicunda), demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo), Eurasia crane or common crane (Grus grus), and gray crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) are not listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

Species

Gray Crowned Crane, Balearica regulorum

There are 15 living species of cranes in 4 genera:

SUBFAMILY BALEARICINAE - crowned cranes

  • Genus Balearica
    • Black Crowned Crane, Balearica pavonina
    • Gray Crowned Crane, Balearica regulorum

SUBFAMILY GRUINAE - typical cranes

  • Genus Grus
    • Common Crane, Grus grus, also known as the Eurasian Crane
    • Sandhill Crane, Grus canadensis
    • Whooping Crane, Grus americana
    • Sarus Crane, Grus antigone
    • Brolga, Grus rubicunda
    • Siberian Crane, Grus leucogeranus
    • White-naped Crane, Grus vipio
    • Hooded Crane, Grus monacha
    • Black-necked Crane, Grus nigricollis
    • Red-crowned Crane, Grus japonensis
  • Genus Anthropoides
    • Blue Crane, Anthropoides paradisea
    • Demoiselle Crane, Anthropoides virgo
  • Genus Bugeranus
    • Wattled Crane, Bugeranus carunculatus

Cranes in culture

File:PC280527.JPG
Sandhill Crane

The cranes' beauty and their spectacular mating dances have made them highly symbolic birds in many cultures with records dating back to ancient times. Crane mythology is widely spread and can be found in areas such as the Aegean, South Arabia, China, Japan and in the Native American cultures of North America. In northern Hokkaidō, the women of the Ainu people, whose culture is more Siberian than Japanese, performed a crane dance that was captured in 1908 in a photograph by Arnold Genthe. In Korea, a crane dance has been performed in the courtyard of the Tongdosa Temple since the Silla Dynasty (646 C.E.).

In Mecca, in pre-Islamic South Arabia, the goddesses Allat, Uzza, and Manah, who were believed to be daughters of and intercessors with Allah, were called the "three exalted cranes" (gharaniq, an obscure word on which 'crane' is the usual gloss). See The Satanic Verses for the best-known story regarding these three goddesses.

The Greek for crane is Γερανος (Geranos), which gives us the Cranesbill, or hardy geranium. The crane was a bird of omen. In the tale of Ibycus and the cranes, a thief attacked Ibycus (a poet of the 6th century B.C.E.) and left him for dead. Ibycus called to a flock of passing cranes, who followed the murderer to a theater and hovered over him until, stricken with guilt, he confessed to the crime.

Pliny the Elder wrote that cranes would appoint one of their number to stand guard while they slept. The sentry would hold a stone in its claw, so that if it fell asleep it would drop the stone and waken.

A pair of Red-crowned Cranes in the Tokyo Zoo.

Aristotle describes the migration of cranes in The History of Animals, adding an account of their fights with Pygmies as they wintered near the source of the Nile. He describes as untruthful an account that the crane carries a touchstone inside it that can be used to test for gold when vomited up. (This second story is not altogether implausible, as cranes might ingest appropriate gizzard stones in one locality and regurgitate them in a region where such stone is otherwise scarce)

Also, the word "pedigree" comes from the Old French phrase, "pie de grue", which means "foot of a crane", as the pedigree diagram looks similar to the branches coming out of a crane's foot.

A crane is considered auspicious in China, Japan and Vietnam. It is one of the symbols of longevity and is often represented with other symbols of long life, such as pine, bamboo, and the tortoise. Vietnamese people consider crane and dragon to be symbols of their culture. In feudal Japan the crane was protected by the ruling classes and fed by the peasants. When the feudal system was abolished in the Meiji era of the 19th century, the protection of cranes was lost. With effort they have been brought back from the brink of extinction. Japan has named one of their satellites tsuru (crane, the bird). According to tradition, if one folds 1000 origami cranes one's wish for health will be granted. Since the death of Sadako Sasaki this applies to a wish for peace as well.

Also, traditional Chinese 'heavenly cranes' (tian-he) or 'blessed cranes' (xian-he) were messengers of wisdom. Legendary Taoist sages were transported between heavenly worlds on the backs of cranes.

File:Jal60s.gif
One of the official logos of Japan Airlines features a red crowned-crane.

The red-crowned crane is a common symbol of luck and fidelity. In Japan, the crane, known as tancho, is said to live 1000 years. Coincidentally, a pair of Red-crowned Crane was used as a design in the D series of 1000 yen note. In Ainu language, this crane is known as sarurun kamui or marsh kamui.

In China, the Red-crowned Crane is often featured in myths and legends. In Taoism, the Red-crowned Crane is a symbol of longevity and immortality. In art and literature, immortals are often depicted riding on cranes. A mortal who attains immortality is similarly carried off by a crane. Reflecting this association, Red-crowned Cranes are called xian he, or fairy crane. The Red-crowned Crane is also a symbol of nobility. Depictions of the crane has been found in Shang Dynasty tombs and Zhou Dynasty ceremonial bronzeware. A common theme in later Chinese art is the reclused scholar who cultivates bamboo and keeps cranes.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Hayes, M.A. (2005): Divorce and extra-pair paternity as alternative mating strategies in monogamous sandhill cranes. MS thesis, University of South Dakota, Vermilion, S.D.. 86 p. PDF fulltext at the International Crane Foundation's Library

International Crane Foundation (ICF). 2007. Siberian crane. International Crane Foundation. Retrieved July 28, 2007.


  • Lambrecht, Kálmán (1933): Handbuch der Palaeornithologie. Gebrüder Bornträger, Berlin.
  • Miller, Alden H. & Sibley, Charles G. (1942): A New Species of Crane from the Pliocene of California. Condor 44: 126-127. PDF fulltext

External links

Credits

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