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What is a Sandhill Crane?

Bethney Foster
Bethney Foster

The sandhill crane, Grus canadensis, is a large, gray bird endemic to North America and northeastern Siberia. It is found in open grasslands, meadows, and wetlands and is known for its mass migrations. There are six sandhill crane subspecies, three of which do not migrate.

A large bird, the sandhill crane has a long neck and long legs. The average length of the bird is 47 inches (120 cm), and weight is about 11 pounds (5 kg). The crane’s wingspan is about 6.5 feet (2 m).

Sandhill cranes are sometimes found in wetland areas.
Sandhill cranes are sometimes found in wetland areas.

The bird’s forehead is red, and the cheeks are white. Juvenile birds are gray and brown but do not have the facial colors found on adults. Living to be up to 20 years old, the sandhill crane first breeds between the ages of 2 and 7 years. Mated pairs stay together through the year and migrate with their offspring.

The nest is made in the water and is either free-floating or attached to vegetation. The eggs are pale brown with darker brown markings. When the babies hatch, they are covered in down. They can walk soon after hatching and begin feeding themselves the next day. The male defends the nest until the babies begin to fly, about 70 days after hatching.

Often associated with courtship, the cranes are known for dancing. Dancing is part of the mating rituals of the birds, but isn’t always related to breeding. Cranes will dance before they are sexually mature and during all seasons.

The primary diet of the sandhill crane is grains, seeds, and some insects. They will occasionally eat mice, snakes, and other small animals. The birds are also known to feed on plant tubers and agricultural seeds, such as corn.

There are an estimated 650,000 individuals. The population of the birds is considered to be stable and increasing. The three nonmigratory subspecies are the Mississippi, Cuban, and Florida cranes. The lesser, greater, and Canadian subspecies are migratory and spend the winter in the southern United States and northern Mexico.

When migrating, the birds often congregate in large numbers. As many as 450,000 individual birds—an estimated 80 percent of the world's population—pass through the sandhills of the Platte River in Nebraska each year. Birds begin arriving in late February for spring migration and leave by mid-April. During the fall migration, the birds begin arriving in late September and continue through mid-December. The birds usually only stay overnight during this migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sandhill Crane?

A Sandhill Crane is a large North American bird with a gray body, long legs, and a long neck. It's known for its distinctive red forehead, white cheeks, and a long, dark, pointed bill. During migration, they form large flocks and are celebrated for their impressive V-shaped flight formations and their rolling, trumpeting calls that can be heard from miles away.

Where can you find Sandhill Cranes?

Sandhill Cranes have a wide range that extends across North America and into northeastern Siberia. They breed in the northern United States, Canada, and Alaska. In winter, they migrate to the southern United States and Mexico. Key migration stopover points include the Platte River in Nebraska, where hundreds of thousands gather each spring.

What do Sandhill Cranes eat?

Sandhill Cranes are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes seeds, grain, insects, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. They forage in shallow wetlands, fields, and grasslands, often probing the soil with their bills to locate food. Their diet shifts seasonally depending on the availability of food sources.

How do Sandhill Cranes mate and raise their young?

Sandhill Cranes are monogamous and often mate for life. Their courtship involves elaborate dancing displays, featuring jumps, bows, and wing flapping. They nest in wetlands, where they build a large mound of vegetation. Typically, two eggs are laid, and both parents share incubation duties. The precocial chicks are able to leave the nest within 24 hours.

Are Sandhill Cranes endangered?

Most Sandhill Crane populations are stable and not currently endangered. However, habitat loss and degradation pose significant threats to their wetland breeding areas. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure their habitats are preserved. The Lesser Sandhill Crane subspecies is more vulnerable due to its limited range and smaller population size.

What is the significance of Sandhill Cranes to human culture?

Sandhill Cranes hold significant cultural value for many indigenous peoples of North America, featuring in folklore and traditional stories. They are also a beloved species among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The annual migration of Sandhill Cranes is celebrated with festivals and events, highlighting their importance as a symbol of wilderness and natural beauty.

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    • Sandhill cranes are sometimes found in wetland areas.
      By: Elenathewise
      Sandhill cranes are sometimes found in wetland areas.