General names
The following is based on analysis of dictionaries and other sources. Thai names are currently being revised. Comments and corrections are welcome.
Note on Vietnamese naming: With the exception of ducks and chickens, it is normal for Vietnamese bird names to include the word Chim meaning 'bird', even where not indicated in the tables. All bird and animal names can be preceded by the classifier con, which is used for living creatures.
The Vietnamese word for 'crane' is Chim sếu. Traditionally Chinese-derived name Chim hạc (鶴) was used for the cranes. However, Hạc is now commonly applied to the storks. In northern dialects, the cranes are also known as Chim cà kếu.
The crane is a symbol of longevity in Oriental culture and is often depicted in traditional paintings and statues. In Vietnamese, tuổi hạc ('crane years') refers to old age, specifically the years over 60.
To describe extreme slimness, Vietnamese uses the expression Gầy như hạc 'slim as a crane' (which may also be interpreted as 'slim as a stork').
Species names
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