The Common Crane is a decidedly migratory bird that leaves Sweden in the autumn — it practically never overwinters in the country, since its food freezes in and is hidden by snow.
Departure: the bulk leave in September–October and fly in large V-formations with trumpeting calls south through Europe.
Winter quarters: mainly Spain (Extremadura, Aragón) and North Africa, with some in southern France and northern Germany.
Return: the first cranes are back at Lake Hornborga as early as the middle of March, which makes the species a classic herald of spring.