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Common Crane

Grus grus
Gruidae Low risk

The common crane, also known as the Eurasian crane, is a bird of the family Gruidae, the cranes. A medium-sized species, it is the only crane commonly found in Europe besides the demoiselle crane and the Siberian crane that only are regular in the far eastern part of the continent. Along with the sandhill crane, demoiselle crane and the brolga, it is one of only four crane species not currently classified as threatened with extinction or conservation dependent on the species level. Despite the species' large numbers, local extinctions and extirpations have taken place in part of its range, and an ongoing reintroduction project is underway in the United Kingdom.

Summary from Wikipedia

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Petr Holecek · xeno-canto 1174838

In Türkiye

Seasonal status
Winter visitor

Arrives in autumn and leaves in spring; summer records are almost absent.

Most records in March.

Where it stands out
KırşehirSivasSakaryaMersinKonya

Provinces where it makes up the largest share of bird records.

Records by month

Adjusted for how many birdwatchers are out each month; the busiest month = 100%.

6,752 records from Türkiye · #140 of 634 species by number of records. Source: GBIF.org (October 2026). All birds of Türkiye

At a glance

Family
Gruidae
Group
Cranes, Rails, and Allies
Conservation status
Low risk

The crane's windpipe coils into its breastbone, so its trumpeting carries for kilometres, and pairs perform elaborate dances.

Similar birds

All birds

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