Sandhill Crane
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dori" title="User:Dori">Dori</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameSandhill Crane
Common NameSandhill Crane
Scientific NameAntigone canadensis
FamilyGruidae
Wingspan (cm)180
Length (cm)105
Weight (g)4500
Plumage DetailsAdult Sandhill Cranes have a predominantly gray body plumage, often appearing rusty or brownish due to iron staining from the wetlands they inhabit. They possess a distinctive bare patch of red skin on their forehead and crown, a white cheek patch, and a long, dark, pointed bill. Their long legs are dark, and in flight, their primary feathers appear black.
Vocalization / CallSandhill Cranes produce a loud, rattling, trumpeting call, often described as a 'gar-oo-oo' sound. This unique vocalization is created by their long trachea, which coils into their sternum.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, wet meadows, agricultural fields, prairies, tundra
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeSandhill Cranes breed across northern North America and northeastern Siberia, migrating to wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and Cuba.
Identifying Featuresred crown patch, long dark legs, long neck, gray body plumage, trumpeting call, legs trailing behind in flight, white cheek patch
Description
The Sandhill Crane is a large, elegant bird characterized by its long legs and neck, and graceful flight. They are highly migratory, often seen in large flocks, and known for their distinctive trumpeting calls.
