GRUIFORMES of North America
The order Gruiformes contains a considerable number of living and extinct bird families with little in common. In fact, birds have been placed in this order just because it was not clear where else to put them! The rails, cranes, and limpkin are related and are considered part of the true Guiformes. However, the Bustards are unrelated to these true Guiformes.
Cranes
Order Gruiformes Family Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds . Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. They are opportunistic feeders that change their diet according to the season and their own nutrient requirements. They eat a range of items from suitably sized small rodents, fish, amphibians, and insects, to grain, berries, and plants. During breeding season cranes are territorial, other times they are sociable and form groups.
Genus Grus
Crane, Sandhill Grus canadensis Found: North America
Photographed by: 1. 3) Dick Daniels - Virginia 2) Dick - Virginia 4, 5) Dick - Florida 6) Dick - Wyoming
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Crane, Whooping Grus americana Found: North America
Photographed by: 1, 2) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 3) Alan D. Wilson - Dunham Bay Near Matagorda Island, Texas
1, 2) Juvenile
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