Wading birds have always been a fascinating subject to discover.
These fascinating birds with long necks are frequent visitors to water sources in search of food. These species of birds can be carnivorous or savor both animal and plant matter as food.
Cranes can be classified into 15 species placing them under three genera. Some prominent species are the sandhill crane, whooping crane, sarus crane, and red-crowned crane. Observing the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List may find a few species under the Endangered category. A few family species to highlight here would be the whooping crane, red-crowned crane, and gray crowned crane. Cranes can be found soaring great heights, going as high as 16,000–26,000 ft (4,900–8,000 m).
There are around 64 species of herons, and they are popular freshwater wading birds. These species of birds have various other names, such as bitterns and also egrets. So do not mistake the name of egrets to be a different bird from a heron. The egrets (white birds) are simply herons that possess white plumage. Some popular species of herons would include great blue herons, great white heron, a green heron, egret varieties like the little egret, Chinese egret, Australasian Bittern, etc. It is unfortunate to note that five of these heron species have become Extinct; one is Critically Endangered (white-bellied heron), five are Endangered (Madagascar heron, white-eared night-heron, great white heron, etc.)
We have contoured some more fun articles on our Kidadl website for you to explore. Please check the exciting content about egret vs. heronand the typical bird respiratory system that will give wings to your thoughts.
Difference Between Crane And Heron
One of the significant ways to differentiate between cranes and herons would be by their flying pattern. Have you seen these birds spread their wings and fly? So if you see a bird flying with an S-like curvature to its neck, you are witnessing a crane in flight. If you look at a bird stretching its neck and flying, you are peering at a heron. Fascinating and rare information on necks, is it? Now, let us understand the difference between herons and cranes in some detail.
If we draw a comparison between the body features of cranes against herons and egrets, the cranes tend to have beaks that are shorter in size. Another distinction between quoting will be their social behavior. Cranes can be found in open spaces in large groups, but herons prefer their solitude more. Great blue herons or great egrets can often be seen at ponds in the cities of North America. But the exception to this rule of solitude are the Cattle egrets, frequent visitors to the open fields and marshes.
Another evident difference is the body of the crane being white and the black face. The cranes also have black legs. Herons, however, we can see them in various colors. If you observe the feathers on the great blue herons, you will conclude they have a messy appearance against the most common cranes native to North America, the sandhill cranes. The short bird amongst the two species is the great egret if you put together the sandhill cranes and the Great egret.
How can you tell the difference between a Heron and a Crane?
For a novice bird watcher, both birds, herons, and cranes may look very similar. So how to ensure we identify these birds appropriately? Let us find out now.
The way they fish their food is one differentiator for these bird species. Cranes utilize the bill as a tool to hunt for their prey, whereas if you see the great blue herons, they are known to chase their prey. Great blue herons are one of the most efficient hunters of a fish. Cranes can be classified as opportunistic omnivores. On the other hand, quoting the great egrets as an example, one can say that they are staunch carnivores.
Heron vs. Crane Who Would Win
Now that we have listed down so many differences between the herons and the family of cranes let's understand who is mightier. Aren't you curious to know too?
The cranes are large-sized birds, whereas herons are medium-sized avians. The shape of their bodies may look similar. However, the long legs and necks are the only similar aspect in them. The call of these birds is nothing near similar, as the crane gives a loud rattle-like sound, whereas the call of a heron may sound more like a croak. So the next time a little blue heron croaks, you are sure to make it out against a sandhill crane. With their unique attributes, either of the bird species stands out and can make a win situation.
Difference Between A Crane, Heron, Egret, And Stork
Often we hear the names of a tall crane, tall heron, stork, and an egret used as a similar species to one another. But let us head into the fact discovery.
Cranes, storks, and herons are part of different families in the animal kingdom. Egrets and the herons are part of the same family hence are considered to be technically the same clan. Storks can be regarded as different as they are great at migration as compared to cranes and herons. The stork wing is quite broad in shape, an adaptation to help them fly greater distances. The storks have poor vocal glands, and the sound they can make is when each of their bills snaps. So we can conclude by saying that cranes, storks, and herons are different from one another.
Heron Vs. Crane Wingspan
Witnessing these bird species in flight with their necks in unique positions makes us wonder, what will be the wingspan of these waterfowls? Let us identify now.
The sandhill crane has a wingspan that measures three to four feet (0.9 to 1.2 m). The Snowy egret has a wingspan of 41 in (104.4 cm). The tallest bird that can fly, the Sarus crane, has a wingspan with a measure of 94 in (240 cm). The largest of the herons, Goliath herons, have a wingspan of 6 feet 1 inch–7 feet 7 inches (185–230 cm). So the black wing feathers of a tall crane or a tall heron assist them in their flight speed. During a flight, the wings of cranes rise above their body, but for the herons, the wing stays parallel to their body.
Heron Vs. Crane Habitat
Do you know where to spot a little blue heron or a sandhill crane? Do you know where the great egrets choose their abode? Are they native to the South or North America? Let us clarify these gray areas for you.
These birds choose marshes as their habitat. Herons are pretty predominant in the tropical regions; the cranes, on the other hand, inhabit the green grasslands and swampy areas. The breeding season may also affect their location of stay. A sandhill crane during the breeding time chooses to switch to more of the south. The nests of these birds differ too. The herons build nests on trees and open land unaccompanied, whereas the cranes tend to build their nests amongst their clan, which tends to flock away from trees.
Conservation Of Heron Vs. Crane
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has placed many species of heron and crane under the endangered category. So our next legs of discussions move towards the conservation of these birds species. Let us learn more.
These birds are legally protected in many countries. Captive breeding techniques are underway to increase the population trend of these waterfowls. The legislation can pass bills that support the research and observation of Endangered species. Inardent cutting of trees is placed under check to protect the habitats of these species.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for crane vs. heron, then why not take a look at what do herons eat or Night Heron Facts.
We Want Your Photos!
Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.