Sandhill Crane

Description:

The greater sandhill crane stands about 1.2 meters (3.75 feet) tall with some variation. The bird is generally gray with a red patch of scaly skin on the forehead, dark gray legs and bill. Breeding adults often smear mud into their feathers, however, turning their normally gray plumage a rusty brown. Chicks, also called "colts", are naturally rusty brown for camouflage purposes.

Habitat:

Wetlands, used for roosting and nesting, and upland areas, which are used for feeding.