Roost sites of Black-necked Cranes( Grus nigricollis )wintering at Shigaze area in the Yarlung Zangbo valley of Tibet,China

Abstract

Shigaze has the highest number of wintering Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis) in Tibet. A roost site survey of Black-necked Cranes wintering at Shigaze area in the Yarlung Zangbo valley was undertaken from December 2009 to January 2010. A total of 11 roost sites were recorded, with 634 Black-necked Cranes. Most Black-necked Cranes left their roost sites at 09:15 in the morning. Side channels with shallow and slow moving waters in the valley were selected, often with sand bars. While Black-necked Cranes mainly forage in farmlands during day time, these small side river channels provide safe roosting places for the cranes.