This very rare species is reported almost annually in B.C., but due to frequent mis-identifications and confusion with species such as Sandhill Crane and American White Pelican, most records are treated with extreme skepticism. These controversial records have been omitted from this treatment, and only records that are either confirmed or plausible are included. A recent phenomenon has been the documented occurrence of this crane at various locations across the central interior during the breeding season. This region of the province is vast and remote, and supports large areas of suitable boggy breeding habitat. As a result, the possibility that this species is breeding in tiny numbers somewhere in this portion of the province cannot be ignored. Hopefully, future excursions to this region will continue to document its presence and, ideally, uncover some evidence of breeding in B.C.
Note Authors: Rick Toochin and Jamie Fenneman
