Sandhill Crane

There are six subspecies of Sandhill Crane. The sandhill in this photo is a most likely a Grus canadensis canadensis (lesser sandhill crane) , but may be a Grus canadensis rowani (Canadian sandhill crane, sometimes known as "intermediate" as it may be a gradation between the lesser and greater sandhill cranes ). These are large wading birds characterized by long legs, necks, and bills. A red patch of skin is found on the forehead and adults have a white cheek patch; the rest of the body it typically gray. However, breeding pairs often paint themselves with brown mud in spring, probably to better blend in with their surroundings during the nesting season.