Preening Sandhill Crane

#Thursday

From Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge:

Sandhill cranes preen their feathers with mud to better blend in with their surroundings. Look close to see the mud on this crane's beak and neck feathers! The red tint to the mud comes from iron in the soil and also from plant compounds (tannins) found in some water. 

Photo: Sandhill Crane Preening courtesy of Bob Schneider. 




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