The Common Crane is far from common in Iceland. It is an annual but rare vagrant.  One has been spotted in the last few days in Gunnarsholt in Rangárvellir, South Iceland.  In recent years, however, a pair has bred in the East so perhaps an Icelandic stock is on its way.

The Common Crane is a big bird, 100-130 cm tall and has a wingspan of 180–240 cm. It can reach the age of 30 – 40 years. It lays two eggs and two chicks were reported a few years ago in East Iceland.

The Common Crane’s main breeding place spreads from Europe to Siberia, the biggest population in Russia, Finland and Sweden. They migrate south for winter.

The Common Crane breeds in various surroundings, in forests and in wetlands, in moors and by lakes, in lowlands up to elevations of 2,200 m.