English: THE DASHING, FIT, SLEEK & SMART with Glowing Eyes & full Gelled, Back parted Hairs!!!

The Demoiselle crane (Lahore Zoo) has a long white neck stripe and the black on the fore neck extends down over the chest in a plume.

1. These cranes are migratory birds. Birds from western Eurasia will spend the winter in Africa whilst the birds from Asia, Mongolia and China will spend the winter in the Indian subcontinent.

2. The bird is symbolically significant in the Culture of India and Pakistan, where it is known as Koonj.

3. The name koonj is derived from the Sanskrit word kraunch, which is a cognate Indo-European term for crane itself. In the mythology of Valmiki, the composer of the Hindu epic Ramayana.

4. It is the smallest species of #crane. The demoiselle crane is slightly smaller than the common crane but has similar plumage.

5. Demoiselle cranes have to take one of the toughest migrations in the world. In late August through September, they gather in flocks of up to 400 individuals. During their migratory flight they reach altitudes of 16,000–26,000 feet (4,900–7,900 metres) they have to cross the Himalayan mountains to get to their over-wintering grounds in India. Many die from fatigue, hunger and predation from golden eagles.

Specs; Scientific name: Grus virgo. Family: Gruidae. Habitat: central Eurasia, ranging from the Black Sea to Mongolia and North Eastern China. Lifespan: Approx 25 years. Length: Almost 35-40 inches approx. Height: 30 inches approx. Wingspan: 60-70 inches approx. Weight: 2-3 kg approx.

Diet: Omnivorous; Insects (lizards, worms), Roots, Fruit seeds, Berries...