The Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) is the second rarest crane in the world. In maturity the crane has snow white plumage with a patch of red skin on top of the head, which turns a bright, vivid red when the bird becomes excited or angry.

In Japan the Red-crowned Crane is known as the Tancho and in legend is believed to live for a thousand years, revered throughout the East as a symbol of peace, good fortune, longevity and fidelity.