DEMOISELLE CRANE Viewing area, Village - Guda Bishnotyan, District - JodhpurDemoiselle crane (Kurja) A general Introduction :The demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo) locally called as Kurja is a species of crane found in central Eurasia (Europe and Asia) mainly Turkey, Kazakhstan Central Asia, Eastern Asia, region around Black Sea, Atlas mountain range in Northern Africa. These cranes are migrato pirds. They travel around 5000-6000 km from their native places to india every year.Characteristics:-Demoiselle crane is 85-100 cm long 76-80 cm tall & has a 155-180 cm wingspan. it weight 2-3 kg. The color of neck is black and rest of th pody is grey in colour. It is the smallest species of crane.Habitat:-The demoiselle crane lives in a variety of different environment, including desert areas & numerous type of grasslands, which are ofte within a few hundred meters of streams of lakes.Nesting Habit:-Demoiselle cranes prefer patchy vegetation of sufficient height to conceal them & their nest but short enough to allow them to look out while incubating Eggs are often laid directly on the ground. females usually lay two eggs & incubation by both sexes last 27-29 days. Thi males take the primary role in defending the nest against any possible danger.Feeding Habit:-Demoiselle cranes are omnivorous. Principle foods of the demoiselle crane include plant materials. insects. peanuts beans other cerea grains & small animals.Breeding :-The bird stand in a specific posture, usually with their heads thrown back & beaks skyword during the display. The female initiates th display & utters one call for each male for fertilization.Migration:-Demoiselle cranes have one of the toughest migrations In the world. They come every year in the month of October & go back to the respective places by the end of march.