Cranes are captivating creatures with their long legs and graceful demeanor. These birds belong to the Gruidae family of the Order Gruiformes and are found on every continent, except South America and Antarctica. While cranes can be social birds, they also value their independence during the breeding season. So, what is a group of cranes called?
A Variety of Names for Crane Flocks
The most common term for a group of cranes is a flock, which is a general term used for most groups of birds. However, there are other creative names for crane flocks, such as a construction of cranes, a brood of cranelings (baby cranes), a dance of cranes, and a family of cranes. The list goes on with terms such as a herd, a sedge, a siege, and even a trumpeting of cranes. One particularly amusing term is a kettle of Sandhill cranes, which reflects their migratory nature.
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Cranes Form Flocks for Safety and Survival
Most species of cranes form flocks during wintering and migration periods. For example, the Sandhill cranes in North America migrate in large numbers, creating massive flocks. Similarly, the Common crane in Europe migrates from northern Europe and North Asia to various destinations, forming impressive wintering flocks. However, some cranes, like the Sarus crane, maintain their territories year-round and only unpaired adults form flocks.
Safety in Numbers and Limited Habitats
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Cranes gather in flocks for both safety and practical reasons. Many waterbirds, including cranes, stick together because their habitats and food sources are often confined to areas with water, such as marshes, pools, and coastlines. These flocks provide protection against predators, especially on dry land, where cranes spend a significant amount of time foraging.
Migration and Wintering Flocks
Cranes form flocks during migration and throughout the winter. During migration, cranes assemble in flocks consisting of several family groups. The previous year’s chicks accompany their parents, and some cranes cover incredible distances during their journey. Once they reach their wintering grounds, cranes continue to socialize and forage in large flocks. These wintering flocks can comprise thousands of birds, with adults and juveniles coexisting harmoniously.
The Magnitude of Crane Flocks
During migration, crane flocks typically consist of 20 to 50 birds from several family groups. However, some flocks can be much larger, consisting of around 500 to 1,000 birds. A remarkable example is the gathering of around 600,000 Sandhill cranes in Nebraska’s Central Platte River Valley each spring, as they prepare for their ancient migratory journey. Researchers estimate that cranes have been making this migration for over 10,000 years.
The Unity of Crane Families
Crane families stay together for a significant part of the year after the breeding season. Parents closely care for their chicks throughout the summer, and the young cranes usually undertake their first migration alongside their parents. Once the family returns to their breeding grounds, the juveniles form non-breeding flocks until they reach sexual maturity, which occurs between 3 and 7 years of age. Cranes are known for their longevity, with some species living for more than 30 years in the wild.
Cranes in Breeding Season
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Although virtually all crane species are capable of gregarious behavior, some, like the Sarus crane, are more territorial during the breeding season. These cranes maintain their breeding territories throughout the year, with only non-breeding juveniles and adults forming flocks.
The Enduring Bond of Crane Pairs
Pairs of cranes do not have a specific name. Cranes form lifelong monogamous bonds with their mates, and infidelity is rare among them. Interestingly, research suggests that cranes often choose partners they socialized with during their youth, akin to childhood sweethearts. These elegant birds engage in elaborate courtship dances, renewing their bond periodically.
Group Flying Patterns
Cranes usually migrate in medium-to-large flocks, with the number of birds typically ranging from a few dozen to a hundred. Prior to migration, some species gather in the thousands, forming flocks that take off in a well-regimented, steady stream. The sight of these graceful birds flying together is truly remarkable.
In summary, cranes are not only beautiful and majestic, but they also have fascinating social lives. These birds gather in flocks for safety, to navigate limited habitats, and for the sheer joy of being in each other’s company. Whether it’s a flock, a family, or a dance, cranes demonstrate the power of unity in the avian world.
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