There are 15 species of cranes on five continents throughout the world, most often found in open grasslands and wetlands. Most are omnivores, feeding on small wetland creatures, as well as on grain seeds and aquatic vegetation. Cranes form strong pair bonds, and both sexes work together in rearing and defending their young. Young cranes are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching to follow their parents in the search for food. Some species of cranes are highly migratory, utilizing many of the same resting and feeding areas as waterfowl. (For additional information go to www.savingcranes.org)

The Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy maintains two species of cranes.

• East African Crowned Crane
• Demoiselle Crane

Flamingos can be found in Central and South America, as well as in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, India, and occasionally Europe. There are five species, all of which contain some shade of pink in their plumage. Flamingos have bills adapted for filter-feeding on small invertebrates, insects, and algae. The bill rests upside down in the water, and the upper jaw, rather than the lower, hinges open and closed. Young flamingos leave the nest after about a week to join similar aged birds in crèches, but are fed by both parents until they are fledged.

The Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy maintains two species of flamingos.

• Chilean Flamingo
• Caribbean Flamingo