Common Cranes (Grus grus) are monogamous. Pairs stay together for life. They choose each other after a complicated courtship. The male jumps and pirouettes with outstretched wings to attract the attention of his sweetheart. He picks up projectiles (twigs, stones) on the ground and throws them into the air, before suddenly freezing, no doubt to be admired. Screams are heard from all sides, the agitation lasts for a short while, and then calms down, only to resume a moment later. The maximum lifespan of Common Cranes is 26 years in the wild and 42 years in captivity.