Common Crane

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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Common Crane | status = Conservation status: Lower risk (lc) | image = Crane.JPG | image_width = 200px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Aves | ordo = Gruiformes | familia = Gruidae | genus = Grus | species = G. grus | binomial = Grus grus | binomial_authority = Linnaeus, 1758 }}

The Common Crane (Grus grus), also known as the Eurasian Crane, is a bird of the family Gruidae, the cranes.

This species breeds in northern parts of Europe and western Asia. It is a long distance migrant wintering in Africa and southern Europe. Migrating flocks fly in a V formation.

In Great Britain the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century, but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads. It is a rare visitor to western North America, where birds are occasionally seen with flocks of migrating Sandhill Cranes.

The Common Crane is a large stately bird, 44 inches long. It is grey with a white facial streak and a bunch of black plumes on its tail. Adults have a red crown patch.

It has a loud trumpeting call, given in flight and display. It has a dancing display, leaping with wings uplifted.

It will eat insects, small birds and mammals.

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