Sandhill cranes are large birds with 6 to7-foot wing span but not weighty. Of the six races or subspecies of this crane, the smallest comes in at 5 pounds and heaviest are 15 pounds. These birds are ground nesters but some choose mounds of plant material attached and floating in shallow water. Still, the eggs hatch in 28-30 days. Cranes are opportunistic feeders eating seeds, seedlings, roots, and small animals commonly found in wet habitats from earthworms to frogs. Adults, both males and females, have a noticed bald red skin patch on their foreheads. Body feather color varies with season and habitat, from silver-gray to tan.
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