In the field, this is the only resident crane in southeastern
Asia south of the Himalayas, and the only crane of
Asia that has both a generally grayish plumage and the
upper neck and head bare of feathers and mostly
reddish, except for a gray crown and a gray, feathered
ear patch. Where the Australian crane might also occur
(in northern Australia), the reddish legs of the sarus
provide a good basis for the separation, as well as its
absence of a dewlap at the throat, its bare, red head skin
extending to its upper neck, and a whiter ear patch and
inner secondaries.