Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Cranes are large gray birds (3-4 ft) with a long neck and legs and a wingspan of 5-6.5 ft. Adults have pale cheeks and a crimson cap, and the feathers may be stained rusty red, possibly from feeding and preening in muddy areas. They have a loud trumpeting call; their long windpipe gives it a lower pitch and harmonics.

Sandhill Cranes breed and forage in the grasslands and wetlands of Alaska, central and western Canada, and the northern United States during the summer. They spend winters in the southern United States. There are small year-round populations in Florida and Mississippi.

Could it be? Sandhill Cranes travel in flocks with their necks outstretched and can often be heard before they are seen. Great Blue Herons fly solo and tuck their neck over their back. Whooping Cranes are larger and white.

Did you know? Sandhill Cranes can live for up to 36 years. They mate for life, often waiting until they are 7 to start breeding. Juveniles stay close to their parents for 9-10 months.

See Also: Whooping Crane

Grasslands are large open areas covered with grasses. They have very few trees or shrubs. This habitat includes prairies and tundra.

Wetlands are low-lying areas that are covered by water all or most of the time and support a variety of aquatic plants. This habitat includes rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, bogs, and marshes.