sandhill crane

noun

sand·​hill crane ˈsand-ˌhil- How to pronounce sandhill crane (audio)
: a crane (Grus canadensis) of North America and Siberia that has a red crown and is chiefly bluish gray tinged with a sandy yellow

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Visitors may also spot sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbills, wood storks and bald eagles along the way. Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2023 Roughly 27,000 sandhill cranes have already arrived along the river between the towns of Chapman and Overton, according to the latest figures from the nonprofit Crane Trust, which conducts a weekly count of the cranes. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2023 After four rare whooping cranes were shot and killed in Oklahoma, conservationists worry about the fate of the endangered bird in Wisconsin if a sandhill crane hunt were to be approved in Wisconsin. Laura Schulte, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2022 Since then, Carroll says he’s worked with a number of other animals, wild and domestic —everything from a sandhill crane that lost a leg to sea turtles that lost a flipper. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2022 The sandhill crane is considered a game species in Arizona, meaning the birds can be hunted for sport. Jake Frederico, The Arizona Republic, 2 Dec. 2022 Overhunting and habitat fragmentation are believed to have led to a decline in sandhill crane populations by the mid-20th century. Jake Frederico, The Arizona Republic, 2 Dec. 2022 Leaders of sanctuary report several fowl have been euthanized, including peacocks, pea hens, emus, ostrich, Guinea fowl, an owl, crow and sandhill crane. Leon Stafford, ajc, 23 Sep. 2022 Hampshire County: a least bittern and four marsh wrens at Great Pond in Hatfield, a sandhill crane in flight at Quabbin Reservoir Park near the Windsor Dam, and two continuing blue grosbeaks at the Honey Pot in Hadley. BostonGlobe.com, 23 July 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sandhill crane.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sandhill crane was in 1805

Dictionary Entries Near sandhill crane

Cite this Entry

“Sandhill crane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandhill%20crane. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

sandhill crane

noun
sand·​hill crane ˌsand-ˌhil- How to pronounce sandhill crane (audio)
: a crane of North America and Siberia that is chiefly bluish gray with red on the top of the head

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