The unison call is made by pair-bonded cranes. It
gets its name because both the male and female call in unison with
each other. This call
is often used in the elaborate courtship dance rituals of crane pairs
in spring. This loud call is also the way
that a crane pair defends their territory. The unison call means Stay
Away! This piece of marsh property is ours!
How
It's Done
•The cranes stand tall and throw their heads back with
beaks pointing upward. (This helps the sound carry
for up to 3 kilometers across the marsh.)
•
The male
makes a continuous 'Whoooop.' In response the female flicks
her head almost
in a pumping action, giving two shorter whoops for every one of
his.
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