Black-necked Crane

Scientific Name: Grus nigricollis

Common Name: Thrung Thrung Karmo (Dzongkha language)

Number of mature individual sighted in 2025 709

Population trend Increasing

NT IUCN Red List category Near Threatened

Global Population

17,389 - 17,610

Diet

Plant roots and tubers, insects, snails, shrimp, fish, frogs, lizards, voles and waste/leftover grain from harvest fields

Habitat

Wetlands and upland agricultural fields

Distribution range in Bhutan

Bumthang, Lhuntse, Trashiyangtse, Wangduephodrang

Extent of occurrence

165,000 km²

Migratory status

Non-migratory

Breeding endemic

Yes

IBAs/KBAs identified for this species

The Black-necked Crane (BNC) Grus nigricollis, is the only exclusively alpine species among the 15 species of cranes in the world, with breeding grounds ranging from 2,600 - 4,800 m above sea level and wintering grounds at 2,000 - 3,800 m above sea level. Its distribution spreads over different areas in China, Bhutan, and India.

Adults of BNC of both sexes are morphologically alike, with a bare red crown and lores sparsely covered by hair-like feathers. The rest of the head and the upper part of the neck are black, except for a small white or light grey spot extending backwards from the rear and lower edges of each eye. The bill is grey-green, with a yellowish tip. The iris is yellow. The tail is black and the upper tail coverts are greyish. The legs and toes are black. Males have a wingspan of 569 - 677 mm, while the wingspan of females ranges from 585 - 628 mm. Juveniles have black and grey body plumage, and cinnamon-brown heads.

The species roost in shallow water on lakes, river banks or small ponds. Throughout the year they forage in agricultural fields, shallow wetlands, and grasslands. However, in many breeding areas at high altitudes where crops cannot be grown, they forage mainly in wetlands and heavily grazed pastures. By nesting at high altitudes in contrast to other migratory cranes, BNC have relatively short migration routes, with the longest about 700 km, while the shortest extends 200 km or less. The cranes migrate both altitudinally and along north-south routes. The migration route from the wintering area in Bhutan to the breeding area in China is 120 km.

BNC birds are known as migratory birds to Bhutan during the winter period between October and March. However, in recent years, an observation of breeding of BNC, a pair, was also recorded in the higher latitude of Bhutan. In the 2024 - 2025 wintering period, 700 cranes were observed in Bhutan. There are three main wintering habitats of the species in Bhutan: Phobjikha in the west, Bumthang in the central, and Bumdeling in the east. Among these three, Phobjikha receives the highest number of wintering cranes followed by Bumdeling valley in Trashiyangtse district.

RSPN initiated conservation of BNC in the mid 1980's. The conservation program included integrated approaches such as community-based sustainable tourism, community-based resource management, and monitoring of environment and health of wetlands. The research and monitoring components include, transboundary migratory study, habitat study, annual population monitoring and rehabilitation of habitats.

Loss of habitat and environmental degradation are the primary threats of BNCs. Anthropogenic pressures and subsequent ecological change catalyze these threats. These pressures are more serious in the wintering areas, where land use changes are happening in the wetlands, mainly conversion to agriculture, river channelization, heavy grazing pressure, sedimentation, pollution, and other factors.

Did you know?

Bhutan hosts the largest wintering population outside of China.

Physical Description

There are 15 different species of cranes in the world today, spread across five continents. All belong to the bird order Gruiformes and the bird family Gruidae. The Black-necked Crane (BNC) Grus nigricollis Przewalski, 1876 is one amongst them. Adults of both sexes are morphologically alike, with a bare red crown and lores sparsely covered by hair-like feathers. The rest of the head and the upper part of the neck are black, except for a small white or light grey spot extending backward from the rear and lower edges of each eye. The bill is grey-green, with a yellowish tip. The iris is yellow. The tail is black and the upper tail coverts are greyish. The legs and toes are black. Males have a wingspan of 569-677 mm, while the wingspan of females’ range from 585-628 mm. Juveniles have black and gray body plumage and cinnamon-brown heads (Birdlife International, 2016).

There are three annual phases to the life history of cranes – their winter life, annual migration and summer life. In winter and during migration, the cranes are often social and live in flocks. During the daytime feeding hours in winter and through the breeding periods in spring and summer, crane families are solitary and drive away all other cranes from their feeding areas.

Domestic crops are the main component of the winter diet of the BNC (Bishop et al. 1998; Dong et al. 2016). They feed mostly on left-over grains in the harvested fields of wheat, barley and buckwheat. The consumption of invertebrates, such as insects, earthworms and snails is crucial for their survival, supporting their fitness by providing more protein and calcium (Dong et al. 2016). Additionally, they are also known to feed on herbaceous plants, especially soft shoots found at the roots of the local dwarf bamboo, tubers and seeds. By defending their food, the adult cranes assure provision for their young ones. The defence of their land is proclaimed by a trumpeting duet of both male and female cranes.

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Gruidae
Genus: Grus

Common Name

English	Dzongkha	Lhotshamkha	Khengkha	Tshangla	Kurtoep/Dzalakha
White-bellied Heron	Chubja Phowkarp/ Bja Eako Raem	Saray Haas, Raja Haas	Woong Rila	Ngangkha	Ngäp Bja

Distribution

Global Distribution

A Russian naturalist, Count Prezhwalsjki, first identified the Black-necked crane in 1876 near Lake Koko Nor in North-east Tibet in 1876. Geographically, they are endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and adjacent southern regions of the Himalaya covering Ladakh in India (Birdlife International, 2016). It breeds in alpine bog meadows and riverine marshes, favouring lacustrine marshes from 2,600-4,900 m and migrate to lower altitudes including Bhutan to spend their winter. As such, the bird is described as being native to China, India, and Bhutan (Birdlife International, 2016) The global population is estimated at c.10,000-10,200 individuals in total (Li et al 2014), roughly equivalent to c.6,600-6,800 mature individuals. The population is presumed to be decreasing and considering numerous threats from change in agricultural practices, infrastructural development, and climate change, the BNC is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species (Birdlife International, 2016). A small population of about 600 Black-necked Cranes migrate to several valleys in Bhutan every winter between October and March (Phuntsho and Tshering, 2014). There are three main wintering habitats of the species in Bhutan: Phobjikha in the west, Bumthang in the central, and Bumdeling in the east (Lhendup and Webb 2009; Namgay and Wangchuk 2016). Among these three, Phobjikha receives the highest number of wintering cranes (437 individuals out of the total 555 national count of 2018-2019 winter) followed by Bumdeling valley in Trashiyangtse district with 119 individuals in the same winter months. In Bhutan, historical reports from elders suggest that large numbers of BNC once wintered in Paro, Bajo in Wangduephodrang, and Chokhor valley in Bumthang. Undoubtedly, the declining number of cranes visiting these areas can be partially attributed to human disturbance and development that altered suitable wintering habitats.

Distribution in Bhutan-Phobjikha

The valley is known for its iconic environment and the largest high-altitude natural wetland in Bhutan, supporting a diverse array of floral and faunal species. This critical wintering habitat for BNC is shared with more than 5000 residents whose livelihoods primarily depend on agriculture and livestock rearing. The picturesque valley, the flocking of BNC, and cultural heritage of the area have attracted a growing number of tourists every year. The growing popularity with visiting tourists has also invited numerous negative impacts, endangering the fragile habitat of the BNC. For example, tourist accommodations, large hotels, and restaurants continue to be built throughout the valley, putting pressure on limited natural resources. The wetland of Phobjikha is part of the RAMSAR network (RAMSAR, 2016), as well as it has a protection status called Nature Conservation Area.

Distribution in Bhutan-Khotokha

Located at a lower altitude (2,617 masl) than Phobjikha valley, Khotokha valley is another important winter habitat for BNC in the western region. Although the valley receives very few individuals every winter, the consistent usage of the habitat indicates the sustained health of the wetland and associated foraging habitats. It is important to continue monitoring and management of this wetland habitat in the future. Recognizing the significance of the area, Khotokha valley was also declared as one of the RAMSAR sites, a wetland of international importance in 2012 (RAMSAR 2012).

Distribution in Bhutan- Bumthang

Bumthang was one of the best-known wintering sites for perhaps hundreds of BNC, especially in the Chokhor valley. In recent decades, however, a large town, (Chamkhar) has developed in the part of the valley beneath the historic Dzong. Undoubtedly, as a consequence of development disturbances, the cranes largely abandoned the Chokhor valley and are now found in smaller numbers in Chumey and Tang valley. Chumey valley is a potential BNC habitat that can accommodate more birds than they do presently. Therefore, it is very crucial that appropriate actions are implemented in the valley to safeguard the habitat for BNC conservation in this valley. Thangbi valley is considered as the least-threatened crane habitat in Bhutan. However, it is home for only a small number of cranes. The third wintering habitat is located in Tang valley, with a few individuals every year. Decreasing number of cranes visiting these valleys over the years has been a concern (Kuensel, 2016).

Distribution in Bhutan- Bumdeling

At 1,900 masl, the wintering area in Bumdeling is at a much lower altitude than at the other wintering sites across Bhutan. Whereas rice cannot be grown at the other sites, it is the major cultivated crop in the Bumdeling valley. Post-harvest waste rice is a major food item for the cranes throughout the winter. Warmer winters in recent years have allowed farmers to plant winter crops following the rice harvest. While this change indicates the capacity for adaptive agricultural practices on behalf of the local community, this also reduces food availability for cranes. Perhaps because of these changes, the crane population has decreased from a high of over 200 cranes in 1987 to just over 100 during the winter of 2018-2019 in Bumdeling and the Eastern region. Another possible factor for the decline in the wintering crane population of the valley might be attributed to the flash flood of the mid-1990s, which washed away most of the roosting and feeding areas, in addition to productive agricultural land. More than 1000 acres of privately-owned land has been left unusable after thick sand deposits and associated land degradation. The Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary’s (BWS) effort to construct flood-controlling walls could not be continued due to the lack of an adequate budget. This intervention managed to redirect only a portion of the river, and may be a uniquely vulnerable site to future extreme weather events.

Threats

Loss of habitat and degradation

The fragile wintering habitats of Black-necked Cranes are affected by wetland conversion, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, human disturbance, and river channelization. These changes reduce roosting areas, feeding grounds, and the quiet open spaces the species depends on during winter.

Climate Change

Changes in climate conditions can alter the species composition, structure, dynamics and ecology of the wintering habitats of the BNC. Changes in annual precipitation and precipitation patterns can affect the ground water level of the wetlands in the long term, which has a significant impact on the soil conditions, species composition, structure and functioning of these ecosystems. The occurrence of extreme climate conditions poses a higher risk of habitat degradation or destruction by natural disasters.

Stray dogs

In Phobjikha, annual mortality in the crane population by predation is around 2 to 3%. The main predators identified in the wintering sites are the common leopard (Panthera pardus) and stray dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). While predation by common leopards is a natural threat, predation by stray dogs leads to an increased mortality rate, especially in Bumthang and Khotokha. Other potential predators are red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and jackals (Canis aureus) (Choki et al, 2011).

Conservation Initiatives

In 1987, under the Royal Command of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the RSPN was established with the solitary purpose to monitor Black-necked Cranes and manage their habitats. Gradually, RSPN’s efforts have been strengthened towards habitat improvement, enhancing community support, and research. In recent years, the conservation measures to save the BNC have been further enhanced through the establishment of local/community conservation groups, involvement of stakeholders, and implementation of conservation projects in managing the overall landscape of BNC habitat. Through the concerted efforts of partners, stakeholders and donors across the range countries and beyond, much of the important sites of the Black-necked Cranes have been identified and protected. Subsequently, the population is observed to be increasing and thus an upgradation from Vulnerable to Near Threatened in the IUCN Redlist category of threatened species.

In particular, RSPN has been instrumental in the conservation of wetlands and the cranes in Phobjikha valley, which is the largest wetland and the largest habitat of the cranes in Bhutan. One such significant conservation initiative is the institution of the annual Black-necked Crane Festival, which was initiated in 1998 mainly to educate locals and visitors on conservation of cranes. Today the festival attracts several hundreds of international tourists and thousands of Bhutanese.

Black-necked Cranes are protected throughout Bhutan and listed under Schedule I as a protected bird species, both in the Forest and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan, 1995 (RGoB, 1995) and the Forest and Nature Conservation Rules of Bhutan, 2017 (DoFPS, 2017). Recognizing the importance of the habitat for the wintering cranes, the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) designated Phobjikha valley as an important Conservation Area in 1999, with RSPN as the focal agency for management.

Why Conserve this BNC?

These Cranes are revered as holy birds and messengers from heaven due to their magnificence, monogamous nature, and their longevity. The birds have inspired numerous folk songs and folktales. Ecologically, they are the ambassadors representing the pristine environment, wetland, and the healthy agricultural practices. The presence of these birds indicates a sound and pristine environment; the wetland and agricultural ecosystem that the birds depend on. Cranes forage in the post-harvest farmlands, feeding on waste grains and insects, while they use the wetlands for roosting safely at night. Economically, local farmers benefit from the presence of the birds in their valley through the hosting of visitors from across the globe. RSPN is focused on maintaining a viable wintering population of BNCs in Bhutan through improved habitat, enhanced community support, and increased knowledge base. However, with changing perceptions on conservation of wetlands and rapid economic development across the habitats, BNC faces various threats posed by both anthropogenic and natural forces.

In the Phobjikha valley, RSPN identified an opportunity to benefit both cranes and humans by promoting developmental activities that aided conservation. The program mainly focused on conserving the crane’s winter habitat while economically empowering the local community through promoting sustainable livelihood approaches. Some of its programs include community-based sustainable tourism, community-based solid waste management, environment and health, alternative energy, capacity development, women and energy, water and energy and community forest development. Research components include, transboundary migratory study, habitat study, annual population monitoring and rehabilitation of roosting areas.

BNC spends five months in Bhutan, spread across the valleys of four districts; Wangdue Phodrang in the west-central, Bumthang in the central, and Lhuentse and Trashiyangtse in the east. Records with RSPN since 1987 show an increasing trend in the wintering population (from 370 in 1987 to 599 individuals in 2022). The valleys of Phobjikha in Wangdue Phodrang and Bumdeling in Trashiyangtse are the two major wintering habitats, of which, Phobjikha hosts the largest population in the country. However, some of the historic habitats like Paro, Bajo, Punakha and some areas of Bumthang valley no longer hosts BNC due to habitat loss by developmental activities.