A4 Grús/Corr (crane)

15 species of cranes🦤🪿🦉🦢🐦‍⬛🦆🦅Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back.

Standing at around 4ft high and with a wingspan of more than 7ft, cranes were part of Irish folklore and were even kept as pets in medieval times.☘️

The cranes' beauty and spectacular mating dances have made them highly symbolic birds in many cultures with records dating back to ancient times. Crane mythology can be found in cultures around the world, from India to the Aegean, South Arabia, China, Korea, Japan, Australia, and North America.

Ireland’s cranes became extinct sometime between 1600 and 1700, due to overhunting by humans and foxes, as well as destruction of their natural habitat. The migratory birds that stand over a metre tall have deep connections to Irish culture and history. They appear in folklore tales such as those of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and in The Book Of Kells. 

Common Crane chicks have hatched in Ireland putting an end to a 300-year absence from the country.🪺

The Corrbolg (Crane Bag), has appeared through out history in many Irish Celtic mythological stories. Made by Manannán mac Lir it contained many treasures.⚔️🗡🏹🛡👑📯

As odd as it may seem to us today, the crane was a very popular pet in Ireland in times past, being the third most popular after dogs and cats! Tame cranes were kept by the table, and trained to bow their heads when prayers were said. Saint Colmcille earned the name “the crane priest” and they can also be found in the book of Kells.📜