Sandhill Crane

Grus canadenis tabida 

Diet

Eats mostly grains and seeds; some insects, other invertebrates, and small vertebrates.

Habitat

Inhabits open marshes, wet grasslands, and meadows throughout North America, extending into Cuba and far northeastern Siberia.

Nesting

Lays 2 eggs in a large mound of vegetation on water, floating or attached to vegetation on the shore. Incubation is 29-32 days, and fledging occurs at 67-75 days.

Did you know?

During mating, the sandhill crane performs dancing displays involving wing flapping, bowing, jumping, and throwing sticks into the air. Although the dancing is most common in the breeding season, it can occur all year long.