Size: Body, 31.5 to 47.2 in (80 to 120 cm); Wingspan, 5 to 6 ft (1.2 to 1.3 m)
Weight: 6.5 to 14 lbs (3 to 6.5 kg)
Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) ma
Sandhills are the most common of all the world's cranes. A fossil from the
Miocene Epoch, some ten million years ago, was found to be structurally the same
as the modern sandhill crane. Today, these large birds are found predominately
in North America. They range south to Mexico and Cuba, and as far west as
Siberia.
Migratory subspecies of sandhill cranes breed in the Northern U.S., Canada,
Alaska, and Siberia. Each winter they undertake long southern journeys to
wintering grounds in Florida, Texas, Utah, Mexico, and California. En route,
more than three-fourths of all sandhill cranes use migratory staging areas in a
single 75-mile (120-kilometer) stretch along Nebraska's Platte River.
Most sandhill cranes live in freshwater wetlands. They are opportunistic eaters
that enjoy plants, grains, mice, snakes, insects, or worms. They often dig in
the soil for tubers and can sometimes cause significant crop damage, which
brings them into conflict with farmers.
The birds are naturally gray and their heads are topped with a crimson crown.
Some cranes preen themselves by adding mud to their feathers and thus taking on
a temporary brown hue. This may happen because the birds use their bills to
probe for food in muddy wetland soil.
During mating, pairs vocalize in a behavior known as "unison calling." They
throw their heads back and unleash a passionate duet—an extended litany of
coordinated song. Cranes also dance, run, leap high in the air and otherwise
cavort around—not only during mating but all year long.
Sandhill cranes usually nest in wetlands and create a structure from whatever
plants may be at hand. Females typically lay two eggs, which both parents
incubate. Males take responsibility for defending the nest.
