Siberian Crane vs Common Crane

In short

The Siberian Crane is distinguished by its entirely white plumage and red face, while the Common Crane has a grey body with a distinctive black and white facial pattern. The Siberian Crane's white plumage is a key identifier in the field, especially when seen in flight.

Identification tips

1. Look for the entirely white plumage of the Siberian Crane, especially in flight. 2. Note the red face of the Siberian Crane versus the black and white facial pattern of the Common Crane. 3. Consider habitat: Siberian Cranes are more restricted to wetlands. 4. Listen for the higher-pitched call of the Siberian Crane compared to the Common Crane.

Size

Both species are large cranes, but the Siberian Crane is slightly larger and more robust than the Common Crane.

Plumage

The Siberian Crane is entirely white with a red face, lacking the grey body and black and white facial markings of the Common Crane. The Common Crane has a grey body, with a black neck and face, and a white stripe running from behind the eye to the upper neck.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar crane behaviors such as dancing and group foraging, but these are not reliable for identification.

Habitat

Siberian Cranes prefer wetlands and marshes, while Common Cranes are more adaptable, found in a variety of wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields.

Voice

Both species have loud, trumpeting calls, but the Siberian Crane's call is higher-pitched and more melodious compared to the Common Crane's more resonant and rolling call.