Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds of the order Gruiformers, and family Gruidae. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". While folklore often states that cranes mate for life, recent scientific research indicates that these birds do change mates over the course of their (considerable) lifetimes. Some species and/or populations of cranes migrate over long distances, while some do not migrate at all. Cranes are gregarious, forming large flocks where their numbers are sufficient.
Most species of cranes are at least threatened, if not critically endangered, within their range.
They are opportunistic feeders that change their diet according to the season and their own nutrient requirements. They eat a range of items from suitably sized small rodents, fish, amphibians, and insects, to grain, berries, and plants.
(Wikipedia)
A colony of cranes has settled upon the city. They can be seen from every nook and cranny raising their necks high into the sky. The one picced below is still a juvenile and hasn't yet reached its full size. It appears they are here to stay the winter.
