The Craneidae family, consisting of 12 species, is a big group. Are you familiar with the cranes listed below?

1. Demoiselle Crane

The Demoiselle Crane is a small crane species known for its distinct brow and graceful behavior.

They prefer open and slightly dry grasslands but also nest in hilly areas near water sources.

2. Hooded crane

The Hooded Crane is a solitary crane species. They inhabit forested wetlands that are rarely frequented by humans. This isolation helps them avoid interference and competition with other cranes.

3. White-naped Crane

The White-naped Crane is of medium size. They breed in areas that are intermediate between the reed swamps and the forested wetlands. These cranes display gentlemanly behavior, neither bullying smaller cranes nor submitting to larger ones.

4. White Crane

The White Crane is an ancient species, existing for around 60 million years. It's often called a "living fossil." Known for its elegance, some ornithologists consider it the "lily" of birds.

5. Black-necked Crane

The Black-necked Crane is the sole highland crane globally and is the most recently recognized species among the 15 crane species.

6. Red-crowned Crane

The Red-crowned Crane is among the world's most endangered birds and is exclusively found in Northeast Asia.

7. Wattled Crane

Found in Africa, mainly in southeastern regions, the Wattled Crane is the tallest of the four African crane species. It displays a reddish, fan-shaped fleshy droop on its cheeks.

8. Brolga

The Brolga is a non-migratory bird residing mainly in Australia and southern New Guinea.

9. Grus americana

The Grus americana also referred to as the Whooping Crane due to its call, holds the title of the tallest North American bird. Once spanning west-central North America, it's now endangered primarily due to habitat loss.

10. Blue Crane

The Blue Crane, or Blue Demoiselle Crane, holds the distinction of being South Africa's national bird. It's confined to African grasslands and holds significance among the Xhosa people. Chiefs gift Blue Crane feathers to courageous men.

11. Gray Crowned Crane

The Gray Crowned Crane is a smaller crane species resembling the Black Crowned Crane. With its golden "crown" and red throat droop, it's often called the "crowned crane."

Uganda's national bird, it's recognized for its fluffy plumage and facial markings. It's unique among cranes for its ability to roost in trees, acting as a biological clock with distinct calling times.

12. Black Crowned Crane

Also known as the West African Crowned Crane, the Black Crowned Crane is Nigeria's national bird. It's characterized by earthy yellow fluff radiating from its head, forming a crown-like appearance.

Unlike most cranes, it's a resident bird, dwelling in sub-Saharan African savannahs and nesting in moist areas.