Birds of North America
Puzzle 50 · Marshes and Fresh Water · Page 74 in print
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Cranes gather plant material and toss it over their shoulders while building a nest mound. The female usually arranges the collected material.
Jump to a word
The words
Bogs
Wetland habitat where cranes may nest.
Broad Wings
The wide wing shape visible in flight.
Bulrushes
Wetland plants used in building the nest.
Burr Reeds
Plants gathered as nesting material.
Bustle
Drooping feathers around the rear of the bird.
Dancing
A courtship performance used in pair formation.
Head Pumping
A repeated head movement in dancing displays.
Hissing
A threat sound used toward ground predators.
Kicking
A defense against predators.
Leaping
An upward jumping movement in the display.
Mounded Nest
A raised structure made from gathered vegetation.
Slate Gray
The general adult plumage color.
Standing Water
A frequent feature of preferred nesting sites.
Tubers
Underground plant storage organs included in the diet.
Winter Roost
A shallow lake or river used for overnight rest.
Sources
- Sandhill Crane: Life HistoryCornell Lab of Ornithology
- Sandhill Crane: IdentificationCornell Lab of Ornithology