Rare species of crane spotted in Kerentza Wetlands
crane
13 Mar 2018
/ 08:30
During the monthly bird species count carried out in February by scientific personnel and wardens from the Managing Body for the straits and estuaries of the rivers Acherondas and Kalamas, a small group of a crane species rare to the area was observed in the Kerentza wetlands.
The crane, a member of the Gruidae family, is a wading bird and is also present in Greece. The scientific name of the species is Grus grus and it is one of the most impressive birds in the wetlands.
Its neck, head and wingtips are ash-grey and black. The internal wing feathers are extremely long and help it fly and form a black tuft which covers its tail. It has a characteristic red spot on the top of its head.
It is considered to be one of the rarest bird species to have appeared in the region over the last years and is strictly protected by both national and international laws.
However, according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) it is considered to be a species which is increasing in numbers. These birds are just passing through our country during the migratory period.
Cranes are amazing travellers and can cover up to 2,000km non-stop, but usually they cover 100km in a day, with an average speed of 45-65 km per hour though can they can get up to even 130 km per hour with the help of the wind.
Source: Managing Body for Acherondas-Kalamas-Corfu
Its neck, head and wingtips are ash-grey and black. The internal wing feathers are extremely long and help it fly and form a black tuft which covers its tail. It has a characteristic red spot on the top of its head.
It is considered to be one of the rarest bird species to have appeared in the region over the last years and is strictly protected by both national and international laws.
However, according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) it is considered to be a species which is increasing in numbers. These birds are just passing through our country during the migratory period.
Cranes are amazing travellers and can cover up to 2,000km non-stop, but usually they cover 100km in a day, with an average speed of 45-65 km per hour though can they can get up to even 130 km per hour with the help of the wind.
Source: Managing Body for Acherondas-Kalamas-Corfu
