Common Crane: Nest & eggs

Unlike most large birds, the Common Crane builds no tree nest — the nest lies directly on the ground in inaccessible wetland, well protected by wet ground that keeps land predators away.

  • Location: out in open mires, bogs and fens, preferably with open water all around as a natural moat against fox and badger.
  • Construction: a large, flattened heap of sedge, reeds and other wetland vegetation that the pair gathers on the spot.
  • Fidelity: the same breeding mire is often used year after year, and the 2 eggs are incubated by both parents for a good four weeks.

More about the Common Crane

  • Song & calls
  • Breeding
  • Diet
  • In winter
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