Sarus Cranes - Graceful Birds of India

Sarus Cranes are some of the most graceful birds I have ever seen and photographed. Unfortunately, their very existence is threatened, thanks to human developmental activities. A few years back one could spot these birds closer to the city of Gurgaon at the Basai Wetland. Today, however, you can only spot them at the Sultanpur National Park further away from the city.

Sarus Cranes, known by their scientific name, Grus antigone are the worlds tallest flying birds, although they probably don't fly very high in the sky! Sarus Cranes are known to be metaphors of integrity in matrimony as it is said that they pair for life. I have had the luck to photograph a close-knit family of three, a father, a mother and a juvenile. This family of three is very close to each other and they stroll together, forage together and fly together

I have observed these beautiful birds foraging for crustaceans, grubs and even freshwater snails, some of which were so big that both parents found it difficult to swallow them even as the juvenile watched them contort their long necks to force the snails into their stomachs.

The juvenile Sarus Crane lacks the bright red colouring around its head and the colours of its feathers are a bit dull. It is often accompanied by its mother even as its father scouts ahead. The Sarus Cranes at the Sultanpur National Park might face some danger from the burgeoning population of Jackals. However, I am sure that the adult birds can hold their own when attacked by some of the smaller carnivores.