Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis

A regal, rather thickset crane of highland lakes and wet pastures. Pale-bodied with a black neck, a dark drooping ‘bustle’ of elongated feathers above the tail, and a patch of bare red skin on the crown. Winters at lower altitudes, along the shorelines of large lakes and flooded agricultural fields. It may be confused for the smaller and more abundant Common Crane; look out for the all-dark neck and tail.