Demoiselle Crane look-alikes
Anthropoides virgo
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Demoiselle Crane. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Common Crane
Grus grus
Key differences
The Common Crane is significantly larger than the Demoiselle Crane. It has a grey body, but lacks the prominent white ear tufts and the distinct black and white head pattern of the Demoiselle. Instead, it has a black face and foreneck with a broad white stripe running from behind the eye down the side of the neck, and a red patch on the crown (which is often hard to see). Its call is also deeper and more resonant.
Blue Crane
Anthropoides paradisea
Key differences
The Blue Crane (also known as Stanley Crane) is closely related and shares the genus Anthropoides. It is larger and has a uniform pale blue-grey plumage, lacking the black and white head pattern and white ear tufts of the Demoiselle. Its elongated tertial feathers are much longer, almost reaching the ground, giving it a distinctive 'bustle' appearance. Its range is restricted to southern Africa.
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