The pinyin of crane is [xiān hè]

1. Introduction to crane

The red-crowned crane is a type of crane because it has a "red crown" on its head. And got its name. It is a unique bird species in East Asia. Due to its elegant body and distinct colors, it is a symbol of auspiciousness, loyalty and longevity in the culture of this region. It is a national first-level protected animal. It is also called fairy crane, white crane (in fact, white crane is another kind of bird), and red-crowned crane. There are many names for red-crowned crane in ancient Chinese books and documents. For example, it is called "fairy bird" in "Erya Wings" and "Compendium of Materia Medica". It is a "fetal bird".

2. Habitat environment

The red-crowned crane’s habitat is mainly swamps and swampy meadows, and its food is mainly shallow-water fish, shrimp, molluscs and some plant roots. It also inhabits shallow waters near lakes and rivers, swamps with reeds, or wetlands with lush aquatic plants. Usually the habitat has taller emergent plants such as reeds to facilitate concealment.

3. Living habits

Move to the breeding ground in early to mid-March every year. Breeding begins in early April. After the male and female pair up, they become lifelong partners. They often build nests on reed stubble surrounded by water. Each nest lays 2 eggs. The incubation period is 31 to 33 days. The chicks can fly at the age of 3 months. They live in families for about 4 months from late October to early March of the following year (the overwintering period in Yancheng is 131 to 134 days). There are usually 2 to 4 individuals in each family, often 20 to 1 young. Adults form small groups of 10 to 20.

4. Dietary habits

Red-crowned cranes are omnivorous and mainly eat shallow water fish, shrimps, molluscs and some plant roots, which vary with the seasons. In spring, they feed on grass seeds and crop seeds. In summer, the food is more miscellaneous and contains more animal foods. The main animal foods include small fish, crustaceans, snails, insects and their larvae, etc. They also eat frogs and small rats. , Plant foods include reed buds and wild grass seeds.

5. Songs

Generally, it is not easy to distinguish males and females based on their appearance. However, the pitch and frequency of red-crowned cranes’ calls will vary greatly depending on gender, age, behavior, and environmental conditions. Big difference. The male bird sings loudly, pointing its beak straight to the sky and raising its wings when singing.