Sandhill Crane

Description:

Height: 80 cm-1.2 m, 3-5 ft Weight: 3-6.5 kg, 6.5-14 lbs Wingspan:5-6 ft. The different sub-species of Sandhill Crane vary greatly in size and weight. Body plumage is characterized by varying shades of gray. In many areas, wild Sandhills preen iron-rich mud into their feathers creating a deep rusty brown hue which lasts during spring and summer. As fall advances, these rusty feathers molt and the birds return to their grayish appearance. In some regions, however, iron-rich mud is absent and the birds appear grey all year. The forehead and crown are covered with reddish skin. Face, chin, upper throat, and nape are white to pale gray. Adults have a white cheek patch. Legs and toes are black. In general, males and females are virtually indistinguishable but within a breeding pair, males tend to be larger than females.

Habitat:

Found in a farming area with a few subdivisions scattered in the mix as well

Notes:

These Sandhill crane were jumping not as part of any mating ritual, but simply to stir up the flying grasshoppers and other insects. Once there were enough in the air, they would take turns snapping their beaks and snagging them out of the air. When there were not enough bugs in the air and they did not feel like foraging, one would begin its jumping and dancing around and the others would begin to eat the bugs the other stirred up. It was quite a sight to behold, and something I watched the better part of a summer, all but at a much farther distance then I was able to get captures of for this spotting.