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Cranes: A Natural History of a Bird in Crisis
"The history, habits, life and lore of a resourceful and iconic bird."
Long in neck, leg and wing, cranes are imposing wading birds that are among the largest and tallest of the world's bird families. Cranes are found on all continents except South America and Antarctica. They are typically associated with open wetland and grassland habitats, where their bright plumage, graceful proportions and convivial nature are displayed in elaborate dancing and duet calling. Those species that breed in the northern regions of North America and Eurasia undertake long migrations each spring and fall. Cranes choose life-long mates and are devoted parents that raise their young with both tenderness and determination.
Cranes traces the history of these fascinating birds from their early origins in the Mesozoic Era to the present day. The book covers anatomy, feeding habits, mating rituals, habitats, caring for the chicks, migration and seasonal movements. A special section is devoted to cranes in myth and folklore. Species profiles are included, along with range maps and conservation status of: Black-crowned crane Red-crowned crane Black-necked crane Sandhill crane Blue crane Sarus crane Brolga Siberian crane Demoiselle crane Wattled crane Eurasian crane White-naped crane Grey crowned crane Whooping crane Hooded crane.
Emphasis is given to the whooping crane as a case study of the environmental and human pressures that threaten the existence of all family members. Through the tireless efforts of many dedicated researchers and volunteers, this species is slowly being brought back from the edge of extinction. Operation Migration, the project to establish a migratory population of whooping cranes in the eastern United States, is profiled in a special chapter of Cranes.
Long in neck, leg and wing, cranes are imposing wading birds that are among the largest and tallest of the world's bird families. Cranes are found on all continents except South America and Antarctica. They are typically associated with open wetland and grassland habitats, where their bright plumage, graceful proportions and convivial nature are displayed in elaborate dancing and duet calling. Those species that breed in the northern regions of North America and Eurasia undertake long migrations each spring and fall. Cranes choose life-long mates and are devoted parents that raise their young with both tenderness and determination.
Cranes traces the history of these fascinating birds from their early origins in the Mesozoic Era to the present day. The book covers anatomy, feeding habits, mating rituals, habitats, caring for the chicks, migration and seasonal movements. A special section is devoted to cranes in myth and folklore. Species profiles are included, along with range maps and conservation status of: Black-crowned crane Red-crowned crane Black-necked crane Sandhill crane Blue crane Sarus crane Brolga Siberian crane Demoiselle crane Wattled crane Eurasian crane White-naped crane Grey crowned crane Whooping crane Hooded crane.
Emphasis is given to the whooping crane as a case study of the environmental and human pressures that threaten the existence of all family members. Through the tireless efforts of many dedicated researchers and volunteers, this species is slowly being brought back from the edge of extinction. Operation Migration, the project to establish a migratory population of whooping cranes in the eastern United States, is profiled in a special chapter of Cranes.
- GenresBirds
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 28, 2013
Written in an engrossing narrative style that highlights the plight of the Whooping Crane (Grus americana) and the world's other crane species. The author holds very little back when expressing contempt for those that inhibited the recovery of the species. The book covers the recovery in vivid detail from the various breeding attempts to the ultralight lead migrations.
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August 13, 2010The beautiful and majestic Crane has been revered by many ancient cultures in North America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia – in China, the bird has become a common symbol of longevity and immortality, and in Japan no story is more poignant than that of 11-year-old Sadako Sasaki of Hiroshima and her 10,000 paper cranes. While discussing their near extinction and survival, the author discusses many aspects of cranes, such as evolution, anatomy & physiology, ecology, and behavior & communication (cranes are known for their intricate dances). Several chapters are dedicated specifically to a case study of the Whooping Crane, including the role of John James Audubon, and a project using ultralight aircraft to re-establish a migratory population. The final chapter, Species Profiles, provides a detailed survey of the various types of cranes around the world.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews