Standard English Name(s): sandhill crane
Local English Name(s): crane
Scientific Name(s): Grus canadensis (Linnaeus)
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s):
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s):
Island Halkomelem Name(s):

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
     The sandhill crane is a very tall bird (up to 122 cm [48 in]), with a long neck and legs. At maturity this bird is mostly grey with a red forehead while juveniles are browner and lack the red forehead. They inhabit marshy wetlands and the margins of ponds where they feed upon seeds, leaves, bulbs and fruits of a variety of plants as well as a range of aquatic invertebrates, insects, worms, small mammals and young birds and eggs. This species breeds across northern North America (Alaska to Ontario) and winters south to central Mexico. It is widely distributed along coastal British Columbia and may be found in many other parts of the province. Within the Halkomelem territory sandhill cranes breed in the Fraser Lowlands (Pitt Meadows, Fort Langley).
     Sandhill cranes are sometimes mistaken by inexperienced observers for great blue herons (Ardea herodias), and vice-versa. These two species are superficially similar in size and general appearance, but are not related to one another. One notable difference between these birds is that the sandhill crane flies with its neck outstretched while the great blue heron flies with its neck folded.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     Sandhill cranes were known to occur at Sumas Lake.

Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The Halkomelem name for sandhill crane is the basis of the Halkomelem name for the month of April (li:mus), the time when these birds are most abundant locally.