Greek mythology honours Palamedes, a contemporary of Achilles, Ajax and Heracles, for inventing the order of the Greek alphabet and the letters Y (ipsilon) and V (ni) after observing the flight of cranes. Migration of Common Cranes (Grus grus) takes place in large groups and in formation (line or V-shaped). When the individual leading the group gets tired, he takes a back seat and another bird replaces him. The ancient Greeks saw in this ride a great sense of responsibility and a clear symbol of democracy. The Common Crane has been fully protected in France since 1967.