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Common Crane

Scientific Name: Grus grus
Maltese Name: Grawwa
Family: Cranes (Gruidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No

Overview:
The Common Crane is one of the most popular birds across Europe, often recognised as a symbol of migration and also due to its grus grus call! The Common Crane is a big bird with a wingspan ranging from 1.8-2.2 meters across. It is sometimes confused with the Grey Heron but the two species are very different both in habits and identification. This bird has a grey body and a thick pale neck. Also has a black face and throat with a red patch on crown. It also has long dark legs. It feeds by digging up the soil in search of worms, insects and larvae. The Common Crane breeds in Northern Europe on remote bogs and undisturbed forests. In autumn migrates to Spain and Northern African countries. They are known to live up to 20 years and its overall population is vulnerable.

Status:
Scarce and irregular migrant, numbers vary from year to year. On the 20th and 21st December 2009 an exceptional influx occurred where more than a 1000 birds were recorded migrating over Malta.

When to See:
Mostly recorded in autumn between October and December. Some are also seen in January. In Spring; from late february till mid-April, Crane is also seen but in much smaller numbers than in Autumn/Winter.

Where to See:
Can be seen flying over from anywhere in small to medium- sized flocks. Rarely attempts to land as Malta does not offer suitable habitat. Anyhow if any birds try to do so, they will eventually get shot illegally. Luqa International Airport is a the preffered site by local birders in winter to look for this species flying over.

Photographs:

Flock of Migrating Cranes, 21st December 2009, Ta' Cenc


Flock of Migrating Cranes, 21st December 2009, MIA Juveinle Crane, 21st December 2009, MIA


Flock of Migrating Cranes, 20th December 2009, MIA


Adult Crane, Cumnija, 23rd December 2010


Flock of 6 Migrating Cranes, 12th December 2010, MIA


Watch a video of Cranes migrating on the 21st December 2010:



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