SANDHILL CRANE

Sandhill Cranes are uncommon migrants to the Navajo Nation. They mostly breed in open marshes, meadows and wet grasslands in parts of Alaska, northwestern U.S. and throughout Canada. They nest on large mounds of vegetation that are typically floating on the water's surface. Sandhill Cranes are omnivores. They mostly feed in farm fields on grains and seeds, but also on insects and other invertebrates and sometimes small vertebrates.

Sandhill Crane is called "Déłí" in the Navajo language. The Crane is respected and greatly honored in Navajo tradition. It is said that Sandhill Crane posses a mystical power, and it is used by Navajo medicine men in one ceremony.