This is Bird Note.

It's late winter, and cranes are calling loudly to one another.

15 species of cranes are spread across the world,

everywhere but Antarctica and South America.

Soon, they'll start their spring migration, but for now,

they gather in large groups, foraging and resting together by the thousands.

Here are a few of those voices from across the globe.

In North America, the Sand Hill Crane.

Saras cranes reside year-round in India, Southeast Asia and Australia.

The common crane winters in Africa, Southern Europe and Asia.

Denmark's Zell Cranes winter from Africa to India and Mongolia.

Most of the world's hooded cranes winter at one reserve on Japan's southern island of Kyushu,

calling together around sunset.

Few birds voices can evoke the spirit of the wild, like the voices of cranes.

For Bird Note, I'm Mary Necan.

Bird Note gives you the sounds of birds every day,

and you get the sights as well when you follow us on Instagram,

at Bird Note Radio.