Klaipeda District Tourism Information Center

19. Common Crane

Size: The tallest bird in Lithuania (L96‒119cm)

Life expectancy: 21‒24 years

Distribution: 5 000‒10 500 pairs

Breeding: Breeds in a variety of wet habitats - field puddles with suitable vegetation, as well as shallow marshes. The nest is built for one breeding, but the common crane can make another nest in the same territory, if the chicks hatch there successfully. Nest 1.2‒1.5 in diameter. The Common Crane usually lays 2 (sometimes 1‒3) eggs once per season. Eggs are incubated by both, but more often by the female. When the female is nesting, the male is always there on patrol. The female incubates the eggs for 28‒30 days since the first egg was laid. Both parents take care of the young. After a few days, the chicks leave the nest and wander with their parents. The chicks are fluffy for the first 4 weeks and only later become feathered.

Appearance: A grey bird with a black head and neck, a white band running from the eyes to the back of the head. It has a bright red spot on the back of his head. Back with a brown tint. The wings resemble a fancy tail when not spread out, but they are the tips of the wings. The legs are very long, black in color with pink feet.