Rare crane spotted, but origin unknown

CAREY, Idaho – A crane native to Siberia has been spotted in central Idaho.

The hooded crane, identified by its red-and-black crown, dark gray body and white neck, appeared last week in a field east of this farming town.

Adult hooded cranes are about 3 feet tall and can live up to 40 years.

Cliff Weisse, of the Idaho Bird Records Committee, said three hooded cranes are believed to have escaped in 2001 from a private Idaho enclosure, but he’s not sure this crane is one of them. The bird doesn’t have the leg bands required on captive birds.