Cranes, Rails, and Allies

The Gruiformes are a varied group of mostly ground-living or marsh-dwelling birds, linked by certain bones rather than clear outward similarities. The group includes tall cranes with long necks and legs, as well as small, narrow rails that move quietly through thick plants. Most of these birds have long toes, which help them walk on soft ground or float on water plants. They live in wetlands, grasslands, and forests all over the world except Antarctica. Many island species have lost the ability to fly. There is a wide range of sizes in this group, from tiny crakes weighing less than 50 grams to large cranes over 10 kilograms. Their calls are often unique, including trumpet-like sounds or mechanical clicks and rattles. Some species have complex courtship rituals that involve dancing or moving together in time.