Hooded crane

　Alongside the white-naped crane, this crane is a primary attraction drawing overseas birdwatchers to Japan. Breeding in south-central to south-eastern Siberia, nearly 10,000 individuals migrate to the Izumi Plain each year. With the global population estimated at 11,600 birds, this means almost 90% migrate to the Izumi Plain.

　While they now overwinter not only in the Izumi Plain but also in parts of Shikoku and the Chūgoku region, it is thought they once migrated to various parts of the country. During the Edo period, they were part of the “Three Birds and Two Fishes” delicacies, and it is said that the Hooded Crane was favoured for consumption alongside the Skylark and the Common Moorhen.