Nest-site selection patterns of Red-crowned cranes(Grus japonensis) and the effects of environmental variables were studied during the years of 2002-2008 in Zhalong Nature Reserve,Qiqihar city,northeast China.The nest-site selection pattern of Red-crowned cranes included two orders and three choices:the choice of nest-site habitat type within the macro-habitat order,nest zone selection and nest-site micro-habitat selection within the micro-habitat order.Various habitats(such as Carex swamps and reed fire districts) can be selected as the nest sites for Red-crowned cranes,of which reed swamps(93.15%) are given a preference.Factor Analysis reveals that the micro-habitat selection are affected by four main factors:fire,security(concealment /disturbance),incubation(conditions,nest-material),and food.Further analysis reveals that Red-crowned cranes have certain adaptability to the changes of nesting habitat quality in the Zhalong wetlands.In conclusion,fire,reeds,and water were the most important variables for nest-site habitat selection of Red-crowned Cranes in Zhalong Nature Reserve.
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