In both its breeding and wintering ranges this species shows a preference for grassland habitats in close proximity to streams, shallow lakes and other wetlands, also frequenting desert areas where water is available (Archibald et al. 2013). In its breeding range the species inhabits grassy steppes of feather grass (Stipa) and fescue (Festuca), and dry areas dominated by wormwood (Artemisia), the essential habitat requirement being access to water for drinking. It can be found on hilly steppes along wide river valleys, shrubby steppes and semi-desert, forest edge habitats, and occasionally unvegetated alkaline flats, or large expanses of rock or gravel. It will often forage in damp marshes and swamps, and is regularly found in cultivated areas (Johnsgard 1983). It returns in flocks from its wintering areas to breed in March and April (sometimes as late as early-June in the north) (Archibald et al. 2013). The nest is a shallow scrape (Urban et al.1986, Snow and Perrins 1998) (although often no attempt is made to find or construct a cavity) (Johnsgard 1983), on dry ground, lined or surrounded by pebbles and plant materials (eggs may be laid directly onto the ground). The nest may be placed on gravel (Archibald et al. 2013) in areas partially or entirely free of vegetation (Johnsgard 1983), or in open patches of grass and cultivation, usually less than 1-2 km away from a source of water (Johnsgard 1983, Urban et al. 1986). Clutches are usually two eggs (Archibald et al. 2013). The diet of this species consists mainly of plant material (Snow and Perrins 1998), although lizards and small invertebrates such as large insects and worms (Archibald et al. 2013) are also taken during the summer (Snow and Perrins 1998). The species will forage in cultivated fields (Johnsgard 1983), feeding on ripening cereal crops in its breeding grounds (Johnsgard 1983) and peanuts, beans and other crops on migration (Meine and Archibald 1996). This species is fully migratory (Archibald et al. 2013).

Although the generation length for both EU and Europe regional assessments were calculated using the same methodology, new information arriving after the EU assessments were undertaken gave rise to an update in the generation lengths. This new information was then used for the Europe level assessments giving rise to a difference between the generation lengths used for the EU and Europe regions.

In Europe, this species breeds almost entirely in Russia, with small populations also present in Ukraine and Turkey.

Conservation Actions Underway
Bern Convention Appendix II. CMS Appendix II. A European Crane Working Group has been established. The species was included in the IUCN conservation action plan for cranes (Meine and Archibald 1996). The species is legally protected in Russia and Ukraine. The species is mostly found outside of protected areas. In recent years, only one pair from the Black Sea population has bred within a protected area, at Azov-Sivash National Park in Ukraine. Conservation programmes such as those in the Ukraine, have thus far, focused on analyzing the factors affecting the species in agricultural settings, and identifying methods to reduce negative impacts. Surveys have been undertaken in areas such as Ukraine and Georgia. In 1992, the Azov-Black Sea Ornithological Station in Ukraine established "The Virgo Programme" to monitor this and other rare and disappearing bird species of the Ukrainian steppes. Research has focused on distribution, population numbers, biology, flock movements, breeding ecology and migration patterns from various portions of its main breeding range. Education programs involving the species have also been initiated in Ukraine (Meine and Archibald 1996).

Conservation Actions Proposed
The species would benefit from stronger protection of the Black Sea population and its habitats by strengthening the network of protected areas, as well as the protection of breeding habitat outside of protected areas by working with landholders to implement conservation measures. Long term monitoring should be continued and expanded and surveys conducted to determine the size of the Turkish population, assess its habitat and potential threats. Continue research, focusing on the breeding biology, range, migration, habitat requirements and threats to the species. Organize migration watches in the Balkan Peninsula and Cyprus. Educational programs for use throughout the population?s range should be developed. Examine the historic range and habitats of the Black Sea population, and the potential for its eventual re-establishment in areas from which it has been extirpated or now occurs only during migration. Enforcement of of existing hunting restrictions in Georgia should be strengthened (Meine and Archibald 1996).