Hooded Cranes

Standing almost 36 inches tall, these graceful cranes inhabit the isolated tundra bogs of eastern Siberia and northern China during the summer breeding season. In winter, most fly to the Japanese island of Kyushu where they feed on grain and other seed at an artificial feeding station near the town of Izumi.

Until recently, little was known about the breeding and nesting habits of hooded cranes. The first hooded crane nest wasn't discovered until 1974. Nesting descriptions from northeastern China were first published in the early 1990s. Field reports indicate mated pairs lay eggs in late April to early May. Chicks hatch in June. Young fledge (grow adult feathers) by August when most birds fly south for the winter.

Worldwide population of hooded cranes currently hovers around a robust 9,5000 individuals, probably the highest in this century. But numbers have fluctuated dramatically since the 1920s. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources classifies the hooded crane as "vulnerable" on its Red List criteria. Select zoological parks are participating in international captive breeding programs. Hooded cranes at SeaWorld San Diego are part of this program.

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