Habitat use and selection by Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis in winter in Yancheng Biosphere Reserve, China

We report the distribution and habitat selection by the Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis in winter in the Yancheng Biosphere Reserve, China. Including original wetlands and artificial habitats, six types of habitat are used by the species: saltworks (salinas), fish ponds, reed beds, Wormwood Artemisia halodendron beaches, tidal grasslands and wheat fields. We compared the habitat availability with habitat use in each type. In winter, Red-crowned Crane preferentially used tidal grasslands and fish ponds. Saltworks, Wormwood beaches and wheat fields were avoided. The distribution of Red-crowned Crane in different types of habitat changed with the distribution of freshwater and with human activities.