Sarus Crane - Ecology and Behaviour

Ecology and Behaviour

Unlike many other cranes that make long migrations, the Sarus Crane is largely non-migratory; it may however make short-distance movements in response to rain or dry weather conditions. The only migratory population is in South-east Asia. Breeding pairs maintain territories that are defended from other cranes using a large repertoire of calls and displays. Non-breeding birds occur as flocks of various sizes that vary from 1–430 birds. In semi-arid areas, breeding pairs and successfully fledged juveniles depart from territories in the dry season and join non-breeding flocks. In areas with perennial water supply, like in the western plains of Uttar Pradesh, breeding pairs maintain perennial territories. The largest known flocks are from the 29 km2 Keoladeo National Park – as many as 430 birds, and from wetlands in Etawah and Mainpuri districts in Uttar Pradesh, ranging from 245–412 birds. Flocks of over 100 birds are also regularly reported from Gujarat and Australia. During the breeding season, breeding pairs displace non-breeding birds from some wetland sites, and local populations can appear to decline. Sarus Crane populations in Keoladeo National Park have been noted to reduce from over 400 birds in summer to just 20 birds during the Monsoon.

They roost in shallow water, where they may be safe from some ground predators. Adult birds do not moult their feathers annually and replace them only once every two or three years.