(grus japonensis)
The Red-crowned Crane, sometimes called the Japanese Crane is one of the symbols of Japan. Its Japanese name is the Tancho. It was once widespread throughout Honshu and Hokkaido but was brought near to extinction by uncontrolled hunting and the disappearance of the wetland habitat that it required for breeding. Fortunately a small non migratory flock survived in eastern Hokkaido and it is now a protected species. The Red-crowned Crane requires large wetlands and open rivers for breeding and for wintering respectively so wetland conservation is vital for the cranes to continue to thrive. Since 1950 the cranes had been artificially fed during the winter at several sites so winter food is no longer a problem.
To see the Red-crowned Cranes dancing in the snow is one of the highlights of world birding and for many will be the main reason for visiting Japan in winter. The cranes roost each night in various rivers which remain ice free due to warm water springs. The pre-dawn sight of the cranes in the river with the morning mist rising is a memorable experience-if somewhat chilly ! They then fly off to various feeding sites in the area. They arrive there in pairs and family groups and on landing they perform their beautiful dancing pair bonding display. At times pairs will strut about together giving their haunting bugling call. At the Akan International Crane Centre, a major visitor attraction, up to 120 birds may come in each morning.
Truly a memorable experience.