How to identify the Demoiselle Crane

To correctly identify the Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

76-85 cm (30-33 in)

Wingspan

155-180 cm (61-71 in)

Weight

2-3 kg (4.4-6.6 lbs)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a predominantly slate-grey body plumage. The head, neck, and upper breast are black, contrasting sharply with a white stripe extending from behind the eye to the back of the head, forming long, delicate white ear tufts. The primary and secondary flight feathers are black, while the tertials are elongated and droop over the tail, also black. The underparts are grey.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Short, stout, and yellowish-orange with a reddish tip.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Red.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Blackish-grey.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The most distinctive features are the long, white ear tufts, the black head and neck with a contrasting white stripe, and its relatively small size compared to other cranes. In flight, the black primaries and secondaries are prominent.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller overall, with a paler grey body and a less distinct black and white pattern on the head and neck. The white ear tufts are shorter and less prominent, and the eyes are brownish. The head and neck are more greyish-brown rather than solid black.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Breeding and non-breeding plumages are essentially the same.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage, though males may be slightly larger on average. During courtship, males often display more vigorously.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Smallest crane species, with a relatively compact body and long legs and neck. Look for its elegant, upright posture.
• Head and Neck Pattern. Distinctive black head and neck with a prominent white stripe extending from behind the eye, forming long, drooping white ear tufts. This is the most reliable field mark.
• Plumage Color. Overall slate-grey body plumage, contrasting with the black head and neck. Black primary and secondary flight feathers are visible in flight.
• Legs and Beak. Blackish-grey legs and a short, yellowish-orange beak with a reddish tip.
• Vocalization. Listen for its loud, trumpeting, rattling call, which is higher-pitched than that of the Common Crane.
• Behavior. Observe its graceful courtship dances, which involve bowing, jumping, and tossing objects. In flight, look for large V-formations during migration.

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