The red-crowned crane is a large, elegant white crane with black markings and a red crown. It is one of the rarest cranes in the world and a revered symbol in Japan, China and Korea.
Interesting facts
- It is one of the heaviest cranes in the world.
- The red crown is a patch of bare skin that becomes brighter when the bird is excited.
- In East Asian cultures, it symbolises long life, loyalty and good fortune.
- Pairs perform spectacular dances with leaps, bows and wing-flapping, especially in winter.
- It appears on the tail of Japan Airlines planes.
- The world population is thought to be about 3,000–4,000 birds.
Behaviour
Outside the breeding season, red-crowned cranes gather in flocks at feeding and roosting sites. Their dances strengthen pair bonds and are performed throughout the year.
Breeding and young
Pairs defend large wetland territories and build nests of reeds and grass. They lay two eggs, incubated by both parents for about 30 days. Usually only one chick survives.
Threats and conservation
Loss of wetlands to farming and development, disturbance, and the risk of disease in crowded winter feeding sites.
Where to see it
- Tsurui-Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary and Akan International Crane Center, Hokkaido, Japan (December to February)
- Zhalong Nature Reserve, China
- Yancheng Nature Reserve, China, in winter
- Cheorwon, near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, in winter
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Where to see the red-crowned crane
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