Brolga

Scientific Name: Grus rubicunda

Population Estimate: Unknown, but Least Concern status

Range / Habitat: Inland wetlands in northern and eastern Australia, parts of Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

Field Notes: Large, grey waterbird with red on head. Sarus similar but red extending through eye.

Personal Notes: Photographed at Tidbinbilla Wildlife Refuge, outside Canberra.

Grey Crowned Crane

Scientific Name: Balearica regulorum

Population Estimate: 47-59K, Vulnerable status

Range / Habitat: Year-round in parts of eastern and southern Africa, preferring grassland adjacent to wetlands.

Field Notes: Distinctive crane, as above. Black Crowned-crane similar but neck is black, not light grey.

Personal Notes: Seen at International Crane Foundation and at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Wattled Crane

Scientific Name: Grus carunculatus

Population Estimate: 6-8K, Vulnerable status

Range / Habitat: Year-round in wetlands of southern Africa and Ethiopia.

Field Notes: Large black crane with white head and neck, black cap, and distinctive red wattle over face and bill. Unmistakable in range.

Personal Notes: Seen at the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin.

Whooping Crane

Scientific Name: Grus americana

Population Estimate: 50-250, Endangered status

Range / Habitat: Found in fields near water. Summers on reserves in Canada and Wisconsin. Winters on reserves in Texas and Florida.

Field Notes: Tallest bird in North America. All-white crane with black wing-tips and red forehead and cheek. Call is a single, bugle-like note. Sandhill Crane is overall grey / brown with a distinctive rattling call.

Personal Notes: Seen in captivity at the International Crane Foundation near Necedah NWR. Only 15 adults of this species remained in 1938, but it has been increased to current levels through active breeding programs and guided migration via ultralight planes.

Sandhill Crane

Scientific Name: Grus canadensis

Population Estimate: 520K

Range / Habitat: Found in open grasslands, meadows, wetlands. Summers in Alaska, Canada, parts of upper midwestern and western US. Winters in parts of Texas, California, northern Mexico.

Field Notes: Large grey and brown bird with striking red crown. Frequently feeding on ground. Call is a loud, resonant, wooden rattle.

Personal Notes: