Adult: Heavy yellow bill. Gray-blue body. Crown and face white with long black eyebrow. Buffy neck is streaked with black.

Breeding adult: Plumes extend from back of head and breast during breeding season. Bill is lighter yellow. Lores lavender.

Immature: Unlike the adult until after the end of the third year. Lacks plumes and is mostly gray with reddish feather fringes. A solid black cap fades into white. Lacks black on from edge of wings.

Similar species: Sandhill Crane

Habitat: Freshwater habitats, salt marshes and urban environments

Breeding: In Florida, January - July

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon

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