Antigone canadensis canadensis

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Sandhill crane
French : Grue du Canada

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Gruiformes
Family : Gruidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known

Identification
The species grows to a size of 120 cm and a weight of 3.7 kg. Plumage nearly entirely grey with clearer head. Black head, bright red crown and forehead. Subspecies smaller with less extensive red crown and darker plumage.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in northern and central Canada and eastern Siberia, winters in south-west USA and north Mexico. Lives and breeds in a variety of shallow marshes and wetlands. Winters near coasts.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is still relatively common and recovering in places where marshlands are protected and restored. Endangered in Florida and Cuba.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Noorderdierenpark Emmen (Netherlands)

 

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