Red-crowned crane bowing to his mate in Hokkaido, Japan

© Steve Bloom Images/Alam

Red-crowned crane

The red-crowned cranes, seen here today, are found in the reed marshes and frozen lakes of Hokkaido Island, Japan, and have fascinated visitors from all over the world. These graceful birds engage in a captivating mating dance, which involves intricate movements and calls. The dance is often performed by a pair of cranes and is believed to strengthen the bond between mates. They also symbolise good fortune, longevity and fidelity in Japanese culture. These gentle creatures even inspired a traditional paper craft, the origami crane; according to legend, folding a thousand cranes can grant wishes.