Japanese crane: Symbolism and courtship dances
Learn about the red-crowned crane, including its courtship dance.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
-
NASAThe Boeing-built Lunar Roving Vehicle transported astronauts and equipment across the Moon during the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 missions.
-
© 2025 Thomas ReutersTwo time-lapse videos show Suicide Basin, a glacial-dammed lake, rising in Alaska, July–August 2025. The waters eventually emptied into Mendenhall Lake and Mendenhall River.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Let's ask the Loon Ranger.Media Editors: Michele Metych , Lauren Sims
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzLearn about the red-crowned cranes in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, eastern Hokkaido, Japan.
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzSteller's sea eagles battling red-crowned cranes for food on Hokkaido island, Japan.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Whooping cranes (Grus americana). The only migrating natural flock, the Aransas/Wood Buffalo Population, consisted of 158 birds in 1997.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.The long legs of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) are well-adapted to running, and the ostrich is the only two-toed bird. It is mainly a vegetarian grazer and is capable of swallowing a considerable volume in one gulp—note the bulge that moves down the ostrich's throat. Male and female ostriches each perform courtship displays, but the male is much more animated, gyrating and wildly waving his head. The female is more subdued, showing that she is ready to mate by spreading her wings and holding them close to the ground.
Transcript
The Japanese crane - in Japan, it’s called tancho, meaning red crown. They are a symbol of good luck and longevity. According to legend, they are said to live 1,000 years. In reality, it’s more like 50. The Japanese crane is one of the largest cranes in the world with a wingspan of nearly two and a half meters. Their courtship displays are spectacular but noisy affairs.
The crane is Japan’s national bird. The vivid red crown reflects the design of the red disc on the Japanese flag. Cranes pair for life and the synchronized dancing helps to strengthen their life-long bond. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the birds settle down and peace returns to the marshes until the next morning, when the show will begin all over again.
The crane is Japan’s national bird. The vivid red crown reflects the design of the red disc on the Japanese flag. Cranes pair for life and the synchronized dancing helps to strengthen their life-long bond. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the birds settle down and peace returns to the marshes until the next morning, when the show will begin all over again.