Two unique features of this crane are its toes, which are shorter than the toes of other cranes, and its bill, which is also shorter than the bills of other cranes.
Two unique features of this crane are its toes, which are shorter than the toes of other cranes, and its bill, which is also shorter than the bills of other cranes. These are designs given this species to adapt to its habitat. The short toes allow it to run on the hard, dry ground while its short bill allows it to better find food in its habitat.
Common crane, sandhill crane
CLASS: Aves (birds)
ORDER: Gruiformes (coots, cranes and rails)
FAMILY: Gruidae (cranes)
GENUS/SPECIES: Ardea virgo
Size: 3 ft (0.9 m)
Weight: Between 4 and 6 lbs (2–2.7 kg)
Original Diet: Plants
Present Diet: Mainly seeds, grass, and other plant material; insects,
and even lizards
Habitat: Savannas in higher elevations near water, in central Eurasia;
winters in India and sub-Saharan Africa
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