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.