Sandhill Crane
Antigone canadensis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Sandhill Crane is a tall, long-legged bird with a distinctive gray body and red forehead patch. Its long neck, slender black bill, and bushy tail are key identifying features. Adults typically have pale cheeks and a white chin.
These birds have the unusual habit of covering their bills in mud while preening, which often stains their plumage to a reddish-brown shade.
Juveniles lack a red forehead and have a more brownish-gray plumage. There's little difference between males and females, though males are slightly larger on average.
Size
Length
80cm to 122cm
Wingspan
180cm to 210cm
Weight
2.5kg to 6.8kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey
Secondary Colour
Red Brown
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Sandhill Cranes inhabit a wide range of open habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas. They breed across northern North America, from Alaska to the Great Lakes region.
During winter, they migrate to the southern United States and Mexico. Some populations are resident in Florida and Cuba. In the US, large concentrations can be seen in Nebraska during spring migration.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Sandhill Crane. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Sandhill Crane demonstrates considerable agility, particularly during its elaborate courtship dances which involve jumping and wing flapping. Their ability to navigate diverse habitats from wetlands to agricultural fields also suggests good manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With a large size (up to 122 cm in length) and the ability to carry substantial weight during long-distance migrations, Sandhill Cranes possess notable strength. Their powerful legs enable them to wade through various terrains and probe for food.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Sandhill Cranes show remarkable adaptability, thriving in a wide range of habitats from sea level to 2,500 metres elevation. Their omnivorous diet and ability to adjust to different climates (temperate to tropical) further demonstrate their adaptiveness.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not typically aggressive, Sandhill Cranes can be territorial during breeding season and protective of their young. Their large size and loud vocalisations can be intimidating, but they generally avoid confrontation with humans or other species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Sandhill Cranes exhibit exceptional endurance, capable of long-distance migrations at high altitudes (up to 8,000 metres). Their ability to fly vast distances, combined with a lifespan of up to 40 years in the wild, indicates remarkable stamina and resilience.
Diet
Sandhill Cranes are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet. They consume grains, seeds, berries, and small plants, as well as insects, snails, small reptiles, and amphibians. Their long bills allow them to probe deep into the soil or shallow water for food.
These birds forage on foot and collect their food from low vegetation, the ground, or just below the surface in mud or water.
Behaviour
Sandhill Cranes are known for their elaborate courtship dances involving bowing, jumping, and wing flapping.
They forage in shallow waters and fields, using their bills to probe for food. These birds are highly social, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter.
Sandhill Crane chicks are aggressive toward their siblings, and sadly, this may explain why only a single chick survives in most broods. Although not considered dangerous, habituated cranes that have lost their fear of humans occasionally peck people when looking for food.
Vocalisation
The Sandhill Crane's call is a loud, rattling trumpet that can be heard from great distances. It's often described as a rolling 'kar-r-r-o-o-o' or 'kraw-w-w-w'.
During migration and in winter flocks, their combined calls create a cacophonous chorus that's unmistakable.
Nesting & Breeding
Sandhill Cranes form long-term pair bonds and begin breeding at 2-7 years old. The breeding season varies by location but typically occurs from April to August.
Nests are built on the ground in marshy areas, using vegetation to create a mound. The female usually lays two eggs, which are olive-brown with dark spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 30 days. Chicks are precocial and can leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching but remain with their parents for 9-10 months.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Sandhill Cranes face threats from habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wetland habitats and migration stopover sites.
Some populations, particularly in the southern US, require careful management due to limited numbers.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Sandhill Cranes in open wetlands, prairies, and agricultural fields.
- Listen for their distinctive loud, rattling call, especially during migration.
- Observe their unique dancing behavior during courtship in spring.
- In the US, visit Nebraska's Platte River in March to witness massive gatherings during migration.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Sandhill Cranes have few natural predators, but eggs and young are vulnerable to coyotes, raccoons, ravens, and large birds of prey.
Did You Know?
- Sandhill Cranes can fly at altitudes of up to 8,000 meters during migration.
- Some individuals have been known to live for over 35 years in the wild.
- They are one of the oldest known bird species, with fossil records dating back 2.5 million years.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Grus canadensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22692078A188597759.
View source - 2 3
report: Rosenberg et al. 2019; Partners in Flight 2020
- 4
website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
View source
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