The demoiselle crane is a species of crane found in central Eurosiberia, ranging from the Black Sea to Mongolia and Northeast China. There is also a small breeding population in Turkey. These cranes are migratory birds. Birds from western Eurasia will spend the winter in Africa while the birds from Asia, Mongolia and China will spend the winter in the Indian subcontinent. The bird is symbolically significant in the culture of India, where it is known as koonj or kurjaa.
Region
Central Eurasia
Typical Environment
Breeds across open steppe and semi-arid grasslands from the Black Sea region through Kazakhstan and Mongolia to northeast China, with small populations in Turkey. Winters primarily in the Indian subcontinent and parts of northeast Africa and the Sahel, often using agricultural fields. Prefers flat, open landscapes near shallow wetlands, rivers, or temporary pans for drinking and roosting. Frequently exploits stubble fields and pastures during migration and winter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Demoiselle cranes undertake some of the highest altitude migrations of any bird, crossing the Himalayas on their journeys between Eurasia and the Indian subcontinent. In India they are culturally revered and known as koonj or kurjaa. They perform elegant courtship dances with bows, leaps, and head tosses and maintain long-term pair bonds.
Temperament
wary but social
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and soaring glides; capable of high-altitude passage
Social Behavior
Forms long-term monogamous pairs and performs elaborate courtship dances. Nests on the ground in sparse vegetation, usually laying two eggs. Outside the breeding season, gathers in large flocks at feeding and roosting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Loud, high-pitched trumpeting calls used for contact and displays. Duets between pairs are common, carrying over long distances across open country.
Plumage
Smooth grey body with contrasting black neck and elongated black breast plumes; delicate white feather tufts sweep back from the eyes over the nape.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking seeds and grains, green plant matter, insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards or small rodents. Often forages by walking and pecking on the ground, gleaning from stubble and pasture. Opportunistic use of cultivated crops during migration and winter.
Preferred Environment
Open steppe, grasslands, and agricultural fields near accessible water for drinking and communal roosting. Also uses dry riverbeds, fallows, and lightly grazed plains.
