The Common Crane (Grus grus) has ash-grey plumage, with black or bluish wing feathers. The upper neck, throat and head are black. Adults have red eyes, while juveniles have brown eyes at first. A white band starts from the cheeks and extends to the back of the neck. The long beak is grey. On the cap (head) there is a bright red patch, more or less extensive depending on age, sex and season. The long legs are black. The sexual dimorphism is not very marked; the male is only slightly larger than the female.