Sandhill crane
Grus canadensis
Identification Tips:
- Large, long-legged, long-necked bird
- Long, pointed bill
- Holds neck straight both at rest and in flight, not tucking
it in like herons do
- Dark gray legs extended in flight
- Long, fluffy tertials droop down over tail and primaries
Adult:
- Dark bill
- Unfeathered red crown and lores
- Entirely gray plumage, that often becomes stained with rust or
brown, especially about the back and wings
- Whitish cheeks and chin
Juvenile:
- Feathered crown
- Gray-brown plumage mottled with cinnamon
Similar species:
All herons tuck their necks in an "S" curve while flying and
lack the long, fluffy tertials and red crown. The very rare Whooping
Crane is white overall with black primaries and a different head pattern.