Life & Habits of the Sandhill Crane

Sandhill cranes are ancient creatures that are still living today. The discovery of fossils that were structurally the same as the modern crane proved their prehistoric connection to the Miocene Epoch. This species is the most common crane on the planet, seen in gatherings that number in the hundreds of thousands. They usually inhabit freshwater wetland regions, where they find plentiful food supply and ideal nesting grounds.

  1. Description

    • Sandhill cranes are gray with brilliant red crowns adorning the tops of their heads. They are large birds with long, stick-like legs and elongated necks. They have sharp beaks and huge wings with a potential wing span of over six feet. Sometimes sandhill cranes appear to have brownish plumage, but they are actually wearing a layer of mud that they preened into their feathers.

    Habitat and Range

    • These majestic birds can mainly be found in North America, but their range also stretches westward to Siberia and southward to Mexico and Cuba. In some states, the Sandhill crane is endangered due to influences such as human encroachment, even though they are the most common crane. Although they prefer freshwater wetlands, marshes or bogs, they will also find suitable habitat in grain fields and open pastures. They like to have a wide reaching view of their surroundings. Every winter, migratory cranes will depart from Siberia, Alaska, Canada and the northern U.S. to spend the season in warmer climates such as California and Texas. They travel in massive groups, consisting of couples and families, and follow a 75-mile route along the Platte River with stopping points throughout. Sandhill crane babies learn the route from their parents.

    Mating

    • During times of courtship, pairs engage in an impressive display: the "dance" of the Sandhill crane. Couples will repeatedly stretch out their wings, bow to each other and leap into the air, sometimes tossing things like sticks as well. They also throw their heads back and vocalize lengthy melodic sounds at the same time, a performance called "unison calling." Sandhill crane couples mate for life.

    Nesting

    • Both the male and female crane will construct their nest together, near water or in shallow water, using plant materials in their habitat. Mothers usually lay two eggs and both parents will incubate the eggs. Within a day after they have hatched, the babies will go out into the water with their parents, where they will quickly learn to find food. The young become independent after approximately 9 to 10 months. They have an average lifespan of 20 years.

    Diet

    • Sandhill cranes are opportunistic eaters and will take advantage of whatever they can find in their surrounding environment in whatever season they are in. As omnivores they will eat snakes, rodents, reptiles, bugs, berries, tubers, aquatic plant roots, grains and seeds.