Red-crowned Crane
Grus japonensis
Photo: Christoph Moning / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
The Red-crowned Crane is a large crane with red skin on its crown, a white body, and black markings on the face and neck. Adults have white primary flight feathers and black secondaries and tertials. Pairs perform dancing displays during courtship. Japan's wild population lives year-round in eastern Hokkaido and has recovered through protection after approaching extinction. It is designated a national Special Natural Monument.
- Scientific name
- Grus japonensis
- Group
- Birds
- Prefectures
- Hokkaido
- Japanese Red List (Ministry of the Environment)
- Near ThreatenedMinistry of the Environment 5th Red List (2026)
- When to see
- December to March
- 日本語
- タンチョウ
- 简体中文
- 丹顶鹤
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Sign inNatural Monuments related to the Red-crowned Crane
Where to see the Red-crowned Crane
Facilities whose official websites show this animal on display. Exhibits can change, so check each facility's latest information before you go.
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In Tsurui, Hokkaido, cranes gather at feeding sites from December to mid-March when natural food is scarce. Courtship dances are often seen from late January to February; in spring they move to the marshes to breed.
Exhibit sourceMap
Designated as a species without a fixed area. Markers show related prefectures.
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Frequently asked questions
The Red-crowned Crane is designated as a species without a fixed area and lives in places such as Hokkaido.
You can see the Red-crowned Crane at Kushiro Zoo, Kobe Municipal Oji Zoo, Tama Zoological Park, Toyama Municipal Family Park, Ueno Zoological Gardens, among others (confirmed on each facility's official website on 2026-10-15).
The Red-crowned Crane is mainly seen in December to March. In Tsurui, Hokkaido, cranes gather at feeding sites from December to mid-March when natural food is scarce. Courtship dances are often seen from late January to February; in spring they move to the marshes to breed.
The Red-crowned Crane is listed as "Near Threatened" in the Ministry of the Environment 5th Red List (2026) (listed as タンチョウ).
Animals related to the Red-crowned Crane
Animals in the same group or designated in the same area.
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