Cranes

On this page:

• Captive Breeding Comments
• East African Crowned Cranes
• Paradise Cranes (aka Blue or Stanleys Cranes
• Demoiselle Cranes

Captive Breeding Comments

It appears with our cranes that there is about a full-year transition period before reproducing after being moved.  They do not appear comfortable in this year, but they soon appear to overcome this restlessness.  Another interesting observation we have made from our 2 pairs of Demoiselle cranes is that three-year old females tend to lay a single egg for their first egg, which tends to be infertile. After this year, they appear to readily lay two clutches of two eggs each year.

Our paradise have not been overly productive in recent years, possibly due to a shift in their previous environment.  Once all pairs are situated at our new faciltiy, we hope they will re-enter their previous fantastic reproductive state.  There are about 8-10 paradise cranes in captivity in Canada, this figure is not very good, considering they are an endangered species.

There have been a number of discussions in recent history about the effect of pinioning captive male cranes on fertility at reproduction.  We have a number of pairs of cranes in which the male is pinioned and we have not been able to determine any negative effects as of yet.

East African Crowned Cranes

East African crowned cranes are one of the two species of crowned crane found in Africa, the other being the West African.  The East African crowned crane is generally grey in colour, with a large yellow top-know on the crown of its head.  The face is white with red patches.  The species has been of recent discussion due to the varying degree of the extent of red on the face of individual birds.

This species enjoys perching at higher elevations and will sometimes nest off the ground.  They also tend to lay a larger clutch than other cranes.  Click images below to enlarge.

Scientific Name:	Balearica regulorum
CITES Status:	Threatened (Level II)
Status in Captivity:	Available annually
Incubation Period:	About 28 days
Clutch Size:	4-6 eggs

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Paradise Cranes

Paradise cranes, also known as Stanley's or Blue cranes, are native to South Africa.  There they are the national bird and highly prized by the locals.  Click images below to enlarge.

Scientific Name:	Anthropoides paradisea
CITES Status:	Endangered (Level I)
Status in Captivity:	Rare (Primarily found in zoos)
Incubation Period:	About 30 days
Clutch Size:	2 eggs

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Demoiselle Crane

Demoiselle cranes are the smallest member of the crane family.  They are common across Europe and Western Asia.  These little cranes have been known to become pets to individuals that live on their migration route, due to their calm and gentle nature.  Click image below to enlarge.

Scientific Name:	Anthropoides virgo
CITES Status:	Threatened (Level II)
Status in Captivity:	Fairly Common
Incubation Period:	About 28 days
Clutch Size:	2 eggs

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