American Red-Crowned Crane

The American red-crowned crane (Melorvarica texanii) is a species of native North American crane found in the open woodlands, grasslands, scrublands, cities, and suburbs. The American red-crowned cranes are about the size of a black-crowned crane (Balearica pavonina), growing about 3.3 foot (1 meter), has a 6.2 foot (1.87 meter) wingspan, and weighs about 3.6 kg (8 lbs). The American red-crowned crane is an omnivore and mainly feeds on wheat, seeds, insects, frogs, small lizards, and small mammals. The conservation efforts of the American red-crowned cranes is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the cranes' tolerance to human activities, and their resistance to otherwise deadly diseases and viruses, including West Nile viruses.