At a glance
- IUCN category
- VU · Vulnerable
- Animal group
- Birds
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The sarus crane is the tallest flying bird in the world, a grey crane with a red head and neck. It is assessed as Vulnerable.
It often nests in and around farmland and is famous for lifelong pair bonds.
Range & habitat
Wetlands and farmland of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Loss and drainage of wetlands
- Collisions and poisoning
- Agricultural change
Why it matters
The world's tallest flying bird and a symbol of fidelity, the sarus crane is a flagship for conserving wetlands within farmed landscapes.
Sources
Sources for Sarus Crane
- IUCN Red List — look up Sarus Crane (authoritative status)
- BirdLife International
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the sarus crane?
It is the tallest flying bird in the world, standing up to around 1.8 metres — taller than many people — with a striking red head and upper neck.
Why is the sarus crane Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite wetland loss and drainage, collisions and poisoning, and agricultural change. See the IUCN Red List for the current assessment.
Last updated: