Demoiselle Crane
Jan 20, 2011
Created on Day 5
Two unique features of this crane are its toes, which are shorter than the toes of other cranes, and its bill, which is also shorter than the bills of other cranes.
Design
Two unique features of this crane are its toes, which are shorter than the toes of other cranes, and its bill, which is also shorter than the bills of other cranes. These are designs given this species to adapt to its habitat. The short toes allow it to run on the hard, dry ground while its short bill allows it to better find food in its habitat.
Features
- The demoiselle crane, whether male or female, sports an array of gray, white, and black feathers. It has red eyes and a multi-colored beak, from olive green to orange.
- The demoiselle is the smallest crane, the male being slightly larger than the female.
Fun Facts
- This bird like many others will pretend to be injured in order to lure predators away from its nest.
- To attract a mate, the demoiselle crane will partake in an elaborate courtship dance that involves leaping, calling, bowing, and head-bobbing.
Created Kind Members
Common crane, sandhill crane
CLASS: Aves (birds)
ORDER: Gruiformes (coots, cranes and rails)
FAMILY: Gruidae (cranes)
GENUS/SPECIES: Ardea virgo
Size: 3 ft (0.9 m)
Weight: Between 4 and 6 lbs (2–2.7 kg)
Original Diet: Plants
Present Diet: Mainly seeds, grass, and other plant material; insects,
and even lizards
Habitat: Savannas in higher elevations near water, in central Eurasia;
winters in India and sub-Saharan Africa
