About the Black-necked Crane
The black-necked crane is a medium-sized crane in Asia that breeds on the Tibetan Plateau and remote parts of India and Bhutan. It is 139 cm (55 in) long with a 235 cm (7.71 ft) wingspan, and it weighs 5.5 kg (12 lb). It is whitish-gray, with a black head, red crown patch, black upper neck and legs, and white patch to the rear of the eye. It has black primaries and secondaries. Both sexes are similar. Some populations are known to make seasonal movements. It is revered in Buddhist traditions and culturally protected across much of its range. A festival in Bhutan celebrates the bird while the Indian union territory of Ladakh has designated it as the state bird.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This medium-sized crane is mostly grey with a black head and neck. The lores and crown are naked and dull red. A small patch of white feathers are present below and behind the eye. The tail is black and makes it easy to distinguish at a distance from the similar looking common crane which has grey tail.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Black-necked Crane lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mongolia, Tajikistan, Vietnam.
When to see the Black-necked Crane
Peak activity in July · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Red-crowned CraneGrus japonensisAdult red-crowned cranes are named for a patch of red bare skin on the crown, which becomes brighter during the mating season.
Hooded CraneGrus monachaIt has a grey body.
Whooping CraneGrus americanaAn adult whooping crane is white with a red crown and a long, dark, pointed bill.
Learn the Black-necked Crane in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.