The crane stands as a powerful symbol of Spain, especially as winter settles in. Nearly 12,800 cranes were observed choosing the province of Ciudad Real as a wintering ground, far from the harsh conditions of their northern European homelands. This season, arrival was slightly delayed due to unusually mild spells and other contributing factors, a pattern noted by many observers.
Data from a coordinated winter crane census conducted mid-December in Ciudad Real show volunteers, staff from the Autonomous Agency for National Parks, and members of the Natural History Society contributing to a broader effort. The census helps chronicle how the province fits into the national picture of crane distribution during winter in Spain.
Local sources indicate that Ciudad Real ranks among the Iberian Peninsula’s leading wintering regions for this species, reflecting its significance in the annual crane cycle.
Across Spain, winter counts typically record between 260,000 and 270,000 cranes. The Spanish Society of Ornithology (SEO/BirdLife) notes that Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragon, and Andalusia host the largest crane populations during the colder months.
Cabañeros National Park
As a consequence, the highest crane concentrations tend to cluster around Cabañeros National Park, where counts reached 5,599 birds.
Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park also emerges as a key wintering site, with 4,095 specimens recorded.
Within the La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve, census data show a total of 2,123 cranes; the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park account for about 921 individuals.
These journeys reveal a remarkable north-to-south migration that unfolds across several months, as cranes travel through central Europe. The birds depart their breeding grounds from October to November and return between February and March, drawing curious observers each year.
Long migration journey
Some individuals cover more than 4,000 kilometers, sometimes cruising at altitudes exceeding 9,000 meters. The crane’s elegant silhouette and expansive wingspan make it a standout sight in natural landscapes.
The species is also recognized for its distinctive V-shaped flight pattern and its resonant calls both in flight and when perched on the ground.
This trumpeting voice, amplified by the way the larynx sits within the sternum, carries far across the countryside, adding to the crane’s memorable presence.
Census details
The wintering crane population in Spain is estimated at about 260,000 to 270,000 birds. The most significant regional contributions come from Extremadura, where the 2018-2019 census counted roughly half of the national total, and Castilla-La Mancha, Aragon, and Andalusia, which collectively host tens of thousands more. The distribution also includes smaller shares in Castilla y León, Navarra, the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community, Catalonia, La Rioja, Madrid, Galicia, and Asturias. These figures illustrate how diverse habitats across the country sustain crane populations during winter.
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Environmental authorities maintain a dedicated reporting channel for wildlife notes and census updates, ensuring ongoing monitoring and transparency in the data collected from regional surveys.