There are around 190 species found in six families in this order of birds.
Birds in this order come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Many species are brown, gray, or white, but others, such as the Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus), are brightly colored. In most species, males and females look similar.
Many Gruiformes are wading birds that live in wetlands, although some species inhabit grasslands or forests. Most fly with their necks extended and their legs stretched out behind them.
Most species build their nests on or near the ground. In many species, both parents incubate the eggs and care for the chicks.
The chicks are precocial, meaning they hatch covered in down with their eyes open and can walk and feed themselves soon after hatching.
Aramidae (limpkins)
Gruidae (cranes)
Heliornithidae (finfoots)
Psophiidae (trumpeters)
Rallidae (rails, coots, crakes)
Sarothruridae (flufftails)
Support for NatureWorks is provided by:
NHPBS inspires one million Granite Staters each month with engaging and trusted local and national programs on-air, online, in classrooms and in communities.
