Siberian Crane: Endangered Migratory Bird, History, Bharatpur Habitat & India Post Stamp

The Legacy of the Siberian Crane

The Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus), often called the “Lily of Birds” in India and “Snow Wreath” in Russia, is one of the world’s most endangered crane species. With its striking white plumage and crimson crown, this majestic bird has captivated ornithologists and conservationists alike.

 

Habitat and Migration
Native to the Arctic tundra of Siberia, these cranes undertake one of the longest migrations in the avian world—over 6,500 km—to winter in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Historically, India hosted a small but vital wintering population, especially during the 1980s.

 

Conservation Status
Due to habitat loss, hunting, and wetland degradation, the Siberian Crane’s numbers have plummeted. Fewer than 4,000 remain globally, with the western population that migrated to India now considered extinct in the wild.

 

India Post Stamp Tribute
In 1983, India Post issued a commemorative stamp honoring the Siberian Crane and its presence in Bharatpur. The stamp featured an oil painting by Diana Pierce, symbolizing India’s commitment to avian conservation.

 

Global Conservation Efforts
International organizations like the International Crane Foundation and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)have launched breeding and reintroduction programs. Captive breeding in Russia, Germany, and the USA has shown promise, though rewilding remains a challenge.

 

Cultural & Ecological Significance
The Siberian Crane is not just a bird—it’s a symbol of ecological harmony. Its presence in Bharatpur once drew global attention to India’s wetlands and their role in sustaining migratory species.

Historical Trivia Points

• Believed to have existed for over 1 million years.
• Known as the “Lily of Birds” in India and “Snow Wreath” in Russia.
• Migrated annually to Bharatpur until the early 2000s.
• First recorded in Bharatpur in the 1960s.
• 38 cranes were counted in Bharatpur during the winter of 1981–82
• India hosted the International Crane Workshop in 1983.
• The 1983 stamp was based on an oil painting by Diana Pierce.
• The cancellation design was created by Badar Makhmoor.
• The first captive-bred Siberian Crane hatched in 1981.
• The species mates for life and can live over 60 years.
• Their wingspan can exceed 8 feet.
• Feed primarily on sedge tubers in Bharatpur.
• The western population is now extinct in the wild.
• Featured in the CMS Memorandum of Understanding for conservation.
• India’s stamp issue was part of a broader avian conservation awareness campaign.