White-Naped Crane

Basic Information:

Scientific Name: Grus vipio

Habitat: White-naped cranes are found in grassy marshes, wet sedge meadows and reedbeds of northern Mongolia, southern Siberia, Korea, Japan and central China.

Diet: White-naped cranes eat insects, seeds, roots, plants, and small mammals. 

Size: 3.6 to 4.1 feet tall / 6.5 to 6.8 foot wingspan

Weight: About 12 pounds

Lifespan: 15.1 years according to AZA Species Survival Statistics

Distribution Map:

I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:

What does this mean?

Vulnerable – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to possess a high risk of extinction as a result of rapid population declines of 30 to more than 50 percent over the previous 10 years (or three generations), a current population size of fewer than 1,000 individuals, or other factors.

Our White-Naped Cranes:

Creampuff (“Creamy”) (Male) – Born May 23, 1981 
*Creamy is one of the oldest cranes in human care*

Peaches (Female) – Born June 2, 2012

About White-Naped Cranes:

White-naped cranes are native to northern Mongolia, southern Siberia, Korea, Japan, and central China. They are distinguishable from other cranes because they are the only species with pinkish legs and a dark gray and white striped neck (hence their name).

Did You Know?!

  • White-naped cranes have a special dance! Mated pairs of cranes engage in unison calling, which is a complex and extended series of coordinated calls. The birds stand in a specific posture, usually with their heads thrown back and breaks skyward, during the display.
  • In Korea, white-naped cranes are a popular New Year’s symbol. They are also featured widely throughout Korean art and folklore. 
  • White-naped cranes are capable of flying at speeds between 25 and 35 miles per hour. 

Due to the INCLEMENT WEATHER, the Utica Zoo will be closed on TUESDAY, MARCH 14. We apologize for the inconvenience.