Red-crowned crane dancing on snow. That bird jumps high into the air while raising its wings, lifting its right leg higher than the left leg. The red-crowned dance is a ritual between a pair. They usually perform this with their partners. This behavior is to strengthen their lifelong bond with each other. They perform this graceful dance together for many years. We call it Dance of Love. A red-crowned crane stands up to 1.5 meters / 5 feet with a wingspan of 2.4 meters / 7.8 feet. This gorgeous bird was nearly extinct. Conservation efforts have brought the population of these birds up again on the island Hokkaido in Japan.
To see a beautiful red-crowned crane dancing, a graceful behavior, is indeed impressive. These elegant birds also perform this dance on their sleeping grounds as well. Sleeping fields are little islands in a river, protecting them from predators. In wintertime, the temperature can drop to below -25 C / -13 F, but these magnificent birds don’t seem to care much.
That elegant red-crowned crane is a large East Asian crane. Unquestionably one of the rarest and largest cranes worldwide. We also call it the Manchurian crane or Japanese crane. Japanese tradition says the crane lives 1,000 years and symbolizes longevity. Red-crowned cranes are also the symbol of fortune in Japan. You will find them in feeding stations and sanctuaries on eastern Hokkaido.
Red-crowned crane species, Grus japonensis, is classified as endangered.
Please discover more of our Japan Wildlife photographs. Our nature photographs are for sale as stock photo licenses and wall art prints online.
This photograph is available to be purchased as a print. We offer our prints as unmounted fine art prints and framed prints that are ready-to-hang on your wall out of the box. Another option is that it can be licensed for personal or commercial use. Just click the add_shopping_cart icon left-hand side above the photo to select your choice.
For more information about the various types of prints we offer to purchase, please visit our Purchasing a print FAQ page.
Our Photo Licensing FAQ page explains the license types and helps you to choose the right license for your needs.
Before making a purchase, please read our Terms & Conditions page.
Clare –
Amazing photo! I love it!
Anette Mossbacher –
The graceful cranes do such beautiful dances. Thank you, Clare.