Page 184 - Allah's Gentle Artistry

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Within hours of their birth, baby cranes can walk well
enough, to leave their nest and begin to follow their parents
around. Parents and babies use a special sound to communi-
cate with one another. The parents make a soft murmur, but
when in danger or trouble, the babies make a more high-
pitched sound to which the parents immediately respond.

In the mating season, both parents stay on the ground to
guard the spot where they will build their nest. After the fe-
male lays her eggs, both parents take turns sitting on the nest
throughout the day. But toward the end of the incubation pe-
riod, this alteration becomes more frequent. In this way, both
birds are free to move about and feed themselves.