American crested crane

The **American crested crane** (*Balearica americanum*) is a species of bird in the crane (Gruidae) family of the genus *Balearica*, most closely related to the African crowned cranes such as the grey crowned crane (*Balearica regulorum*) and the black crowned crane (*Balearica pavonina*), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American crested crane is about 1 meters (3.3 feet) tall, weighs 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs), and has a wingspan of 2 meters (6.5 feet). Its body plumage is mainly grey. The wings are predominantly white, but contain feathers with a range of colours, with a distinctive black patch at the very top and yellow tips. The head has a crown of stiff golden feathers. The sides of the face are white, and there is a bright red inflatable throat pouch. The bill is relatively short and grey, and the legs are black. They have long legs for wading through the grasses. The feet are large, yet slender, adapted for balance rather than defence or grasping. The sexes are similar, although males tend to be slightly larger. Young birds are greyer than adults, with a feathered buff face. The American crested crane and the African crowned crane species are some of the only cranes that can roost in trees, because of a long hind toe that can grasp branches. The American crested cranes are omnivores, feeding primarily plants, seeds, grain, insects, frogs, worms, snakes, small fish and the eggs of aquatic animals. Stamping their feet as they walk, they flush out insects which are quickly caught and eaten. The birds also associate with grazing herbivores, benefiting from the ability to grab prey items disturbed by pronghorns and deer. They spend their entire day looking for food. At night, the American crested crane spends its time in the trees sleeping and resting. The American crested crane has a breeding display involving dancing, bowing, and jumping. It has a booming call which involves inflation of the red gular sac. It also makes a honking sound quite different from the trumpeting of other crane species. Both sexes dance, and immature birds join the adults. Dancing is an integral part of courtship, but also may be done at any time of the year. Flocks of 30–150 birds are not uncommon. American crested cranes time their breeding season around spring, although the effect varies geographically. In southeastern United States, the species breeds year-round, but most frequently during the drier periods, whereas in Mexico and western United States the breeding season is timed to coincide with the rains. During the breeding season, pairs of American crested cranes construct a large nest; a platform of grass and other plants in tall vegetation. The American crested crane lays a clutch of 3-7 glossy, dirty-white eggs, which are incubated by both sexes for 28–31 days. Chicks are precocial, can run as soon as they hatch, and fledge in 56–100 days. Once they are fully grown and independent, chicks of different sexes will separate from their parents to start their own family. American crested cranes have been seen to congregate in large numbers in a ceremony akin to a wedding when two chicks are being married off. The new couple dance for a while before flying off together to start a new family. The conservation status of the American crested crane is **Least Concern** due to successful conservation efforts, the American crested crane's wide range and, unlike African crowned cranes, its tolerance to many of the human activities.