long neck and legs; grey body; black neck stripe (Poland; 2012-05-30)


Common Crane
Grus grus

Native Range: Eurasia

Notes: the most common crane in Europe; no sexual dimorphism; has a long flowery "tail" that is actually an extension of its wing primary feathers; frequents open grasslands and marshlands where some of its favorite foods are snakes and other herps.

pair foraging in the grass (Poland; 2012-05-30)
red on crown; white stripe borders black on neck (Poland; 2012-05-30)

group foraging (Poland; 2012-05-30)
posing for a portrait (Poland; 2012-05-30)