Gruidae - cranes

There are 15 species of bird in this family. They are large birds with long necks; long legs; and large, straight bills. They are similar in appearance to herons and egrets, but unlike those species, they fly with their necks stretched straight out instead of tucked in. Birds in this family mate for life and have elaborate courtship displays that involve strutting around with their wings outstretched. Cranes usually live in flocks and some are migratory, while other species stay in one location all year. They eat a wide variety of foods including fish, reptiles, small mammals, amphibians, seeds and berries. They are found in all parts of the world, except Antarctica and South America.