The only crane that lives its whole life on high plateaus; it breeds in Tibet's wetlands and is honoured in Tibetan song and religion.

  • Group: Bird
  • Habitats: Wetland, lake shore, farmland
  • Regions: Ü Tsang, Kham, Amdo

Habitat

Breeds in high marshes and lake shores of the Changtang and Amdo, including the Dzoge wetlands; winters in farmland valleys such as the Yarlung Tsangpo and Kyichu, and in Bhutan.

Diet

Roots, tubers, grain left in fields, insects and small animals.

Ecological role

A wetland bird whose presence shows healthy marshes.

Threats

Drainage of wetlands, overgrazing of marshes, and power lines and fences.

Conservation

Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Sources & References for all of Understanding Tibet