The Majestic Sarus Cranes of the Sultanpur National Park

Adult Sarus Crane at the Sultanpur National Park, Gurgaon

Sarus Cranes have been in the news lately with reference to an injured bird being rescued by a gentleman in Uttar Pradesh. The friendship then seemingly blossomed into a friendship that went against the law what with the bird being the state bird! However, stories apart, the Sarus Crane has been revered in India throughout the ages.

Adult and Juvenile Sarus Cranes soar overhead

Adult Sarus Crane at the Sultanpur National Park

These Majestic birds are known to be the world's largest flying birds, and surely they manage to fly quite well! Today when I visited the Sultanpur National Park I was in for a pleasant surprise as I was able to spot five of these birds along with what was once a chick a couple of years back and has now grown almost into an adult bird.

Spot the odd one out - in the company of a juvenile Painted Stork

Sarus Cranes seem to be comfortable in the company of other bird species.

Sarus Cranes are also known to be very faithful to their partners and excellent parents. I have been observing two adults nurturing a juvenile over a period of two or more years while on my visits to the Sultanpur National Park in Gurgaon. I have also spotted pairs at different times at the Najafgarh Wetland and the Basai Wetland. 

Adult and Juvenile Sarus Cranes at the Sultanpur National Park

The birds feed on small molluscs, snails and insects as I have observed while watching them frequently. There was this one occasion when I saw the trio of birds which included the juvenile bird trying to swallow fist-sized snails that had strong shells. I can remember the sounds they were making even as they tried to gulp the snails.

Adult Sarus Crane waits for its Juvenile to catch up with it.

Standing at a height of 165 centimetres, Sarus Cranes known by their scientific name as Grus antigone are closely related to the Sandhill Crane and the Common Crane. While the adults sport a bright red head and neck. The juvenile birds however have a Cinamon brown fluff. The birds have a loud distinct call which can be heard over a large area. Sarus Cranes can be spotted in the vicinity of wetlands, lakes, marshes and even agricultural land.

Solitary Sarus Crane at the Sultanpur National Park.

It is amazing to see these huge birds take to the air, they are rather like huge planes taking off on full thrust. What is equally amazing is to see them land. Apparently slowing down to land is a major task for these large birds! I was able to capture both the launch and the landings of these birds, some of which I am sharing below.

Flaring out wings for a landing.

An adult Sarus Crane landing on a dime!

A running take-off