Crane

The crane (Gruidae) is a family of large, long-necked birds with sturdy bills and long, powerful legs.

Cranes sit near the waters edge at Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta. Photo taken on: April 23rd, 2012

True cranes are easily distinguished from herons by their habit of flying with their necks outstretched (Corel Professional Photos). Sound of the sandhill crane (press the Sound button) courtesy Monty Brigham, Bird Sounds of Canada.

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Of the 15 species found worldwide, at least 5 have become rare, partly because of loss of nesting habitat. Cranes nest in marshes, bogs, sedge meadows and upland tundra. In Canada, 2 species occur: the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) is common, although one subspecies, the greater sandhill crane, is considered threatened in BC; the whooping crane (G. americana) is endangered. The sandhill crane nests as far north as Banks and Devon islands.

Nests are large mounds of dry plant material. Usually 2 brown or buff eggs with dark brown or purplish spots and blotches are laid, hatching after about 30 days. Parents share incubation. Cranes may live as long as 20 years.

During migration, sandhill cranes favour uplands and agricultural areas and may be seen in spectacular concentrations in south-central Saskatchewan, where they feed in grainfields. Large numbers winter in the southern US and Mexico. Limited hunting is allowed in portions of Saskatchewan and in several states of the US.