Ghost Crane

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Ghost Crane - "Sebastian Romu" © 2019

About

Common Names
Ghost Crane, Shadow Fisher
Classification
Bird
These birds hunt for fish in shallow wetlands by standing with their backs to the sun and their wings spread to create a shadow which attracts fish wishing to escape the hot sun. Standing on a single stilt-like leg the crane strikes with its raptor talons.

Description

Size
Appearance
Tall standing birds with long necks, legs ending in raptor-like talons. White in colour with grey legs.
Sexual Dimorphism
Male Ghost Cranes possess a tassel of black bristle like feathers at their breast.
Variance
None.

Ecology

Habitat
Migratory; Tropical to Sub-arctic Wetlands
Diet
Carnivorous, eating a variety of fish, amphibians, and aquatic reptiles.

Behaviour

Social grouping
Small flocks numbering up to a dozen individuals.
Temperament
Aggressive, will attack or chase off potential threats to their young, or favoured fishing spots.
Intelligence
Animal
Reproduction
After mating in early spring, females will brood one to three eggs in a grassy nest near water. After hatching these young cranes will learn to hunt small minnows and other aquatic prey in the shallows before moving on to bigger prey in deeper water as adults. These young will be ready to fly by the time the autumnal migration is upon them.
Migratory
Ghost cranes migrate with the seasons, wintering in the tropics, moving towards more temperate latitudes with the onset of spring.
Shadow Fishing
These birds hunt for fish in shallow wetlands by standing with their backs to the sun and their wings spread to create a shadow which attracts fish wishing to escape the hot sun. Standing on a single stilt-like leg the crane strikes with its raised foot, grasping prey with raptor-like talons.

Sub-Species

No known sub-species

Domestication

General
Given the migratory nature they are difficult to keep, however some cultures have managed to utilize such birds, training them as fishing animals.
Resources
Meat, Feathers, Eggs.

Stories

See Also