Demoiselle Crane
Anthropoides virgo

CLASS

Aves

ORDER

Gruiformes

FAMILY

Gruidae

Range

Breeds across central Europe and Asia and winters mainly in north Africa, India, and Pakistan

Habitat

Grasslands near streams and other wetlands

Diet

Grass seed, other plants, insects, lizards, and other small vertebrates

Facts

• Smallest of the crane species.
• When they migrate they can reach altitudes up to 26,000 feet and cross the Himalayas despite cold temperatures and low oxygen.
• Demoiselle cranes gather in large flocks to migrate.
• Females nest in a mass of vegetation on the ground or in shallow water and lay two or three eggs.
• The birds perform ritualistic displays that include bows, leaps, runs, wing flapping, short flights, jerky bouncing, running, and stick tossing. Cranes of all ages, paired and unpaired, dance.
• Queen Marie Antoinette of France gave the demoiselle crane its name. Demoiselle means maiden, or young lady, in French. The queen was enchanted by the crane's delicate and maidenly appearance.

Conservation

Widely distributed in Eurasia and Africa.