Sandhill Crane

102-122 cm (40-48") Locally common. In summer, prairies and marshy tundra; in winter, open marshes and agricultural fields.

Very tall, gray overall, heronlike bird; long, straight neck; long legs; dark red patch on forehead; bustlelike rear; often has rust in plumage from preening with bill containing ferrous mud. Immature is reddish-brown and lacks red forehead. In flight, straight neck, rapid wing upstrokes.

Song: loud, trumpeting, musical rattling "gar-oo-oo".

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