Black-necked crane

The black-necked crane is a medium-sized crane that is mostly gray with a black head and neck. It mainly lives at high altitudes on alpine meadows, lakeside and riverine valleys.

It is the only crane that lives and breeds on plateaus.

Like many other cranes, it is believed to form long-lasting pair bonds, and dancing displays are seen during the breeding season.

The black-necked crane is designated as "near threatened" on the IUCN Red List. As such, it is under the highest level of protection for wild animals in China.