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Crane
* All cranes are basically diurnal in their habits.
* Many cranes spend nights roosting by the Platte River in Nebraska.
* Some cranes even cross the Bering Sea and breed in northeastern Siberia
  - have a feathery head crest
  - use electromagnets to pick up cars
* also eat small mammals or birds and eggs
  - perform many interesting threat displays and other ritualized postures
* always stand on the ground, never in trees.
* are a symbol of good luck in Japan
  - very secretive species requiring large, open freshwater wetlands and shallow marshes
  - aggressive birds
* are among the oldest living bird groups
  - birds on the planet
* are an ancient type of wading bird
  - important group of animals, as the tallest flying bird being a crane
  - at home in the sky
  - common in both low and highlands
  - diurnal or daytime migrants and use thermals to their advantage
  - excellent indicators of the health of wetland and grassland ecosystems worldwide
  - fast runners and fliers, they also swim
* are highly social birds that live in large flocks
  - vocal and have a large vocabulary of specialized calls
  - important symbols in Japan and China as well as Africa and even Australia
  - in Nebraska for just one reason, to eat heartily and store energy for their migration
  - large wading birds with long legs and a long neck
  - long-legged long necked wading birds, usually with white or gray plumage
  - magical creatures that are symbolic of long life
  - majestic and enigmatic birds
  - mechanical devices
  - omnivores
  - opportunistic feeders
  - our living birdge to an ancient past
  - symbolic of long life, good luck, and prosperity in many Asian cultures
  - tall birds with long legs
  - tall, stately birds with a heavy body, long neck and long legs
  - territorial and generally seasonal breeders
  - the symbol of long and peaceful life
  - unique and are among the most spectacular of the bird families
  - very tall, shun civilization, and belong to a different bird family
* attack aerial predators by leaping into the air and kicking their feet forward.
* build a ground nest out of plant materials.
* can make sounds that are heard from far away.
* construct platform nests in shallow water, and typically lay two eggs at a time.
* continue to be used in new symbolic ways around the world.
* eat snails, larval insects, leeches, frogs, minnows, small rodents, and berries.
* employ different foraging techniques for different food types.
* flies in the Galveston-Houston region are fragile with long legs and are tan in color
  - occasionally eat nectar
* fly larvae feed primarily on decomposing organic matter
  - with their neck outstretched
* form lifelong monogamous pair bonds.
* gather each evening in shallow, secluded marshes during migration called staging areas
* have a remarkable ability to find each other through vocalizing
  - large wings, a long neck, and long legs
* have long legs for wading through marshes and long beaks to reach into the water for fish
  - vegetation and water
  - much better hearing and sight capabilities than humans
  - no idea of a wire's width
  - relatively light heads and necks, and can fly the normal way with neck outstretched
* have trouble seeing wires because nothing like wires exists in nature
  - there is nothing like wires in nature
  - unusual behaviors
* is use to hold steel beam supports while attached to walls of Administrative Area.
* know when it's time to fly south for winter, and back north for summer.
* lifting device
* live on all continents except Antarctica and South America.
* look superficially like herons and their relatives.
* mate for life and live longer than most birds
  - often pair when they are three to six years old
  - symbolize faithfulness and protection of family
* migrate in winter to freshwater wetlands and shallow ponds.
* name synonomous with elegance in stationery.
* often migrate in large flocks when conditions are favorable.
* prefer aquatic habitats mostly, than drier environments
  - short grasses or grazed pastures over tall prairies
* produce genetically unique offspring through sexual reproduction.
* require side-river channels for their nocturnal roosts.
* rest on one leg during the night, with the head and neck tucked on or under a shoulder.
* settle in the pines.
* sleep in shallow water, hummocks and on dikes, all which provide protection from predators.
* spend most of the daylight hours in areas where food is most abundant
  - the night roosting in shallow open water areas
* symbol of longevity in Korea.
* use their call to signal danger, to defend their territory, and to court potential mates.
* usually build their nests in marshy areas and lay two eggs at a time.
* vital component of the state's economy.
+ Crane (bird), Description: Gruiformes
  * Cranes are tall birds with long legs. They are usually brown, white, or gray in their color. There are over 15 kinds of species of cranes. They look rather like herons. Adults stand 5 feet tall and have a wingspan of up to 7 feet
  - Evolution
  * Cranes are an ancient type of wading bird. The origin and evolution of birds'. 2nd ed, Columbia University Press, 244249. These lived in forests, and left little or no fossil record
  * Cranes are omnivores. They eat many kinds of plants, reptiles, small mammals, and other birds. The average life time of a crane is from 20 to about 25 years. Cranes are highly social birds that live in large flocks. Some species of cranes are thought as holy in Asia, especially Japan
+ Crane (bird), Life, Behaviour
  * All cranes are able to defend themselves quite well. They are mostly quite large, and peck, kick and batter opponents with their wings. They are territorial, and males will fight even more vigorously than usual at mating seasons. Zookeepers use acrylic riot shields to protect themselves against crane attacks
  * Cranes usually build their nests in marshy areas and lay two eggs at a time. Cranes can make sounds that are heard from far away. Cranes dance special dances when they mate, and they include stepping quickly, high leaps, stretching, and bowing. Crane chicks grow very quickly and at two to four months, they develop their flight feathers. Cranes are very vocal. They use several different types of calls.
  * Cranes usually build their nests in marshy areas and lay two eggs at a time. Cranes can make sounds that are heard from far away. Cranes dance special dances when they mate, and they include stepping quickly, high leaps, stretching, and bowing. Crane chicks grow very quickly and at two to four months, they develop their flight feathers. Cranes are very vocal. They use several different types of calls. They also communicate with their bodies
  - Threatened
  * The biggest threats to cranes are hunting and habitat destruction. Cranes need large areas of habitat. All cranes are protected by international agreement