Cranes | Gruidae

Kraanvogels | Grullas

Large birds with a long neck and long legs which, unlike herons, fly with the neck stretched out; the lengthened inner secondaries droop over the tail as a bustle. In most species the windpipe is elongated and coiled into the breastbone, which accounts for the far-carrying trumpeting note that a pair often delivers in duet. The bill is straight and of moderate length: they feed while walking over arable land, steppe and wet meadow, digging up tubers and roots and taking seed, insects and small vertebrates as well. The hind toe is small and set high, so they do not perch in trees; two eggs are laid, usually one chick is raised, and it stays with its parents through its first winter.