It is believed that a male and female which form an established nesting pair stay together for life. They often perform a co-ordinated display.
The male lifts his wings to display the large plumes, while stretching his long black wing tips along his leg. He throws his head and neck backwards.
The male emits a deep, echoing cry. The female answers and stretches her head and neck up.
During the display, both the male and female become very excited. This can be seen from an important detail: On the back of its crown, the crane has a bare red spot of a few square centimetres. When the crane is aroused, this area fills with blood and the red colour deepens.