Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane
100
11 hours ago
The Sandhill Crane is a large, elegant crane characterized by its grey body, long legs, and a distinctive patch of bare red skin on its forehead. They are known for their spectacular migratory gatherings.
Where to spot
Widespread across North America, with localized populations in Cuba and Siberia. Found in a variety of wetlands, farmlands, prairies, and open fields, often near water bodies.
How to spot
Look for their large size, long legs and neck, grey plumage, and the red crown patch. In flight, they fly with necks and legs extended. Listen for their distinctive, loud, rattling trumpeting calls, especially when in flocks.
When to spot
Year-round in some southern ranges, but best observed during spring and autumn migrations when vast numbers gather at specific stopover sites. Breeding occurs in spring and summer.
Where to spot
Widespread across North America, with localized populations in Cuba and Siberia. Found in a variety of wetlands, farmlands, prairies, and open fields, often near water bodies.
How to spot
Look for their large size, long legs and neck, grey plumage, and the red crown patch. In flight, they fly with necks and legs extended. Listen for their distinctive, loud, rattling trumpeting calls, especially when in flocks.
When to spot
Year-round in some southern ranges, but best observed during spring and autumn migrations when vast numbers gather at specific stopover sites. Breeding occurs in spring and summer.
Credits:
Door Robert Bieber - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2303114
Credits:
Door John Fowler from Placitas, NM, USA - Bosque Morning, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27135289
Sandhill Cranes often 'paint' their feathers with mud and decaying vegetation during the breeding season, giving them a rusty, reddish-brown appearance that acts as camouflage.
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