Common Crane song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Common Crane, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The 'unison call' is a characteristic feature, performed by pairs during courtship and territorial display. It is a loud, far-carrying, resonant trumpeting, often described as 'krru-krru-krru'.

Calls

Aside from the unison call, they emit loud, bugling calls in flight, alarm calls, and contact calls. The calls are produced by a long trachea coiling within the sternum, acting as a resonator.

When they vocalize

Most vocal during the breeding season (courtship and nesting) and during migration when large flocks communicate.

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