Balearica regulorum Most cranes are strongly gregarious. They migrate and winter in large flocks. Migrating cranes travel high in the air usually in a V formation. They frequently fly at considerable altitudes, reportedly as high as 2 miles. The dancing ceremonies of cranes are spectacular. In these, the birds walk stiffly around each other with quick steps, wings half spread. Alternately, they leap high in the air. These antics are frequently interspersed with deep bowings and stretchings. The birds pick up sticks or pieces of grass in their beaks, throw them up in the air, and stab at them with their beaks as they come down. Both sexes take part in these antics, and immature birds dance almost as often and as actively as the adults do. While the dancing is at times an integral part of courtship, the birds indulge in it throughout the year and some believe it is more an expression of exuberance and liveliness than an inherent sexual display.