Animal Guide

White-Naped Crane

25 destinations · 19 states

Native Range: East Asia

The white-naped crane is a tall, elegant bird, but its most interesting details emerge when you watch it move and interact. A broad white patch runs down the back of its neck, contrasting with the darker head and gray body. Look for the red skin around the eye and the black feathers at the throat, details that can be easy to miss from a distance. These cranes spend much of their time walking through grasslands and wetlands while probing the ground for seeds, roots, insects, and other food. Their long legs make slow, deliberate steps look effortless, while a sudden wing stretch can reveal a much larger wingspan than expected. Pairs may stay close together and perform coordinated displays with bows, wing beats, and jumps. Native to eastern Asia, white-naped cranes are associated with wetlands, river valleys, and open grasslands. At a zoo, listening for their calls while watching a pair move together can reveal how much communication happens between these seemingly quiet birds.

White-Naped Crane

Where to see White-Naped Crane

25 destinations across 19 states

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