Sandhill Crane
NameSandhill Crane
Common NameSandhill Crane
Scientific NameAntigone canadensis
FamilyGruidae
Wingspan (cm)180
Length (cm)105
Weight (g)4500
Plumage DetailsAdults have a gray-brown body, often stained with rust-colored iron oxides from foraging in bogs. They have a distinctive bare patch of red skin on their forehead and crown, white cheeks, and a long, dark bill. Their legs are long and dark.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations are loud, rattling, and trumpeting calls, often described as a 'gar-oo-oo' sound, which can be heard over long distances. They use various calls for communication, including unison calls between mated pairs.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, wet meadows, agricultural fields, prairies, tundra
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, with breeding populations extending into Siberia and Cuba. They are migratory, breeding in northern areas and wintering in the southern United States and Mexico.
Identifying Featureslarge size, long legs and neck, red patch on crown, gray-brown plumage, loud, trumpeting call, social behavior
Description
The Sandhill Crane is a large, long-legged, and long-necked bird known for its distinctive red crown and gray-brown plumage. They are highly social birds, often seen foraging in open fields or wetlands, and are famous for their elaborate courtship dances.
