Grus monacha

(Temminck, 1835)

Vernacular names
English : Hooded crane
French : Grue moine

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Gruiformes
Family : Gruidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
Relatively small crane, reaching a body size of 100 cm for a weight of 4.8 kg. Unmistakable. Plumage mostly dark grey, clearer on bend of wings. Upper neck and head white. Small red forehead and crown with black edging, short bill.

Range and habitat
This species breeds in south-east Russia and north-east China. It winters in Japan, Korea and Central-eastern China. Lives in forested and open wetlands, river banks, grasslands and agricultural fields.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is threatened by habitat loss on its wintering sites. Most of breeding grounds remain safe because of their inaccessibility, so far.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation
San Antonio Zoo (USA), Taipei Zoo (Taiwan), Weltvogelpark Walsrode (Germany), Tierpark Berlin (Germany)

 

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