Black-necked crane – The world’s only alpine crane is the master of predator avoidance

Black-necked crane – Grus nigricollis

Class: Aves

Territory: China, India, Bhutan

Diet: Roots, insects, snails

Lifespan: 20-30 years

Adult weight: 507 kg (11-15 lb)

Conservation status: Vulnerable

The sky is the limit for the black-necked crane; soaring high over the Himalayas, it is the only member of the family to spend its summers in alpine areas of extremely high elevations. It is a particularly cautious species and employs a number of stealthy defence tactics. Always foraging in groups with one standing sentinel, and nesting in large open areas of water, ensures they stay ahead of predators. They even settle
down to roost at night while standing on one leg in shallow water, so if predators do try and sneak up on them, they will be heard. They love to forage and spend around 75 per cent of their time searching for food and eating, and sometimes will travel several kilometres in a day.