This now rare species has long influenced the cultures of eastern Asia. Renowned for its grace and beauty, it is also a symbol of longevity because of its long lifespan.

The white-naped crane nests on the plateaus of central Asia and migrates to the coasts for the winter. It feeds in open marshes, probing the soft mud for worms, snails, plant shoots, and insects.

Like most cranes, the white-nape's survival is threatened by loss of habitat. Only around 6,500 remain in the wild.

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