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There exists a bird that flies gracefully, but has the ability to run after its prey, while using its wings for balance. While it might look awkward running and flapping its wings, this bird can easily outrun a human. And though this bird does not have webbed feet, it can swim.

Sounds like a riddle, doesn’t it? Like, what’s red and black and white and runs across the sandy shores, swims without webbed feet and is a symbol of peace, loyalty and vitality the world over? Who else but the glorious crane?

Cranes exhibit some of the most unique behavior of all birds. For one thing, they prefer to run towards the wind in order to gain the necessary lift for flight. However, if a crane is alarmed, it can leap directly into the air and begin flying immediately. Once a crane has gained enough momentum, it can fly up to 52 miles per hour. That’s pretty fast! Sometimes cranes like to catch a ride on a warm updraft of air called a thermal. Then, they can soar to heights of 5,000 feet. That’s pretty high! When they migrate over the mountains of Asia and Europe, cranes are forced to fly over the high ranges, where they reach altitudes of 20,000 feet. That’s really high! And, get this, when cranes are migrating and the weather becomes awful, they will travel several hundred miles at a time if they cannot find a proper rest area. When they do find a good spot to rest, cranes might stay there for weeks at a time, in order to gain enough strength to continue their migration.

However, safe areas to roost have become harder to find for cranes, since humans have come along. In fact, of the 15 species of cranes, 11 are close to extinction. Wetlands and grasslands must be free of pollutants and poachers for the cranes’ wellbeing. We have some work to do in order to keep these birds alive. For example, there are only approximately 350 Whooping cranes left in the United States!

Is there a bird more recognized as a symbol of peace, loyalty, creativity and wisdom worldwide than the crane? Really, the crane is prominent as a representative of peace in China, Japan and Korea. In China, for example, the crane is the symbol of wisdom. Cranes are said to have carried the ancient sages between heavenly worlds on their backs. Meanwhile, in Japan, cranes are associated with the concept of loyalty. Because the birds choose one mate for life, traditional Japanese weddings are dotted with images of cranes and the crane colors of red, white and black. Making origami cranes for friends is a way to wish for their good health and happiness.

The ancient Greeks associated the crane with Apollo, the god who represented poets. When the cranes performed their intricate mating dance, the Greeks also rejoiced, since they regarded this dance as a celebration of life and a love of joy. They also thought of the cranes as heralds of springtime and light. In other words, cranes have been revered through the ages as heralds of good things. Keep your eyes open for the long-legged bird with long wings and a graceful neck. When you see one, you can be sure that joy and happiness are sure to follow.