Sandhill Crane

The sandhill crane is a tall, long-necked wading bird found across parts of North America and in Siberia, recognized by its grey plumage, red-capped forehead and loud, rolling bugling call that can carry for long distances. It breeds in wetlands, prairies and open grasslands, feeding on a varied diet of roots, grain, seeds, insects and small animals, and it is well known for elaborate courtship dances involving leaps, bows and wing flapping performed by mated pairs. Many populations undertake long seasonal migrations, gathering by the hundreds of thousands at key stopover sites such as Nebraska's Platte River during their journeys. The sandhill crane is one of the oldest known living bird species, with fossil evidence suggesting the lineage has existed for millions of years, and while several subspecies remain common, one Mississippi population is critically endangered.