Sandhill Crane

Cranes are among the oldest living birds on the planet, with fossil records dating back 9 million years.

The sandhill crane is long-legged, long-necked bird. Its forehead is a vivid red, and the plumage is colored slate or brown-gray. Adults have a white chin, cheek and upper throat and black primaries. The young have a feathered head and chocolate-brown plumage with some rusty color. These cranes can be up to about four feet in length, have a wingspan of up to 7 feet, and weigh up to 11 pounds. During migration, they fly in V-formations or make long lines.

Their distinctive calls can be heard for miles. They have an unforgettably loud trumpeting call of gar-oo-oo. It is produced by a modified windpipe that has been likened to a French horn. In the grain fields of the San Luis Valley, the birds engage in an intriguing "dance" during which they jump up and down. The motion is believed to be a show of affection for their mates, and a show of aggression toward other birds that are getting too close.