Sandhill Cranes

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Ranked #2,236 in Animals, #49,485 overall

One of the Oldest Known Species Around Today

Evidence suggests that the Sandhill Crane is the oldest known bird species in existence today. A fossil of a bird estimated to be10 million years old was found in Nebraska, a popular stop over point for migrating birds. Its structure was identical to that of the modern Sandhill Crane.

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Description 

The Sandhill Crane is a large wading bird standing up to 4 feet tall with a wingspan of 5 to 6 feet. The feathers on its body are gray, but its cheeks, chin and throat are white. It has a distinctive red crown and a long dark bill.

Sandhill Cranes have a bushy "bustle" made up of long, drooping feather that covers its tail. It is a gangly bird with a long neck and thin, dark legs. The sexes look alike but the immature birds have a reddish-brown tint to the feathers on the upper part of their body.

Range and Habitat 

The Sandhill Crane spends the breeding season in Alaska, Siberia, and across parts of Canada. They are a migratory bird spending the winters across the southern region of the United States. Wet meadows and grasslands surrounded by pines and fir trees are their preferred habitat during mating season. During the winter they will settle in open prairies, fields, and river valleys. Sandhill Crane will choose a habitat that gives them a clear view of their surroundings.

According to fossil records, the Sandhill Crane has been in existance for 10 million years.

The Sandhill Crane 

On Ancient Wings: The Sandhill Cranes of North America (Natural History)

A photographic essay of the world's oldest avian species.

Amazon Price: $29.70 (as of 12/21/2009) Buy Now

Crane Music: A Natural History of American Cranes

Amazon Price: $10.95 (as of 12/21/2009) Buy Now

Sandhill Cranes (Early Bird Nature Books)

This book's text is easy to understand and it accompanied with 3 to 4 photographs on every page.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009) Buy Now

The Cry of the Sandhill Crane (Camp & Cottage Birding Collection, 3)

A fascinating book filled with information on nesting, eating habits, territory and so much more.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009) Buy Now

Cranes--The Noblest Flyers: In Natural History and Cultural Lore

Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 12/21/2009) Buy Now

Mating and Nesting 

The Sandhill Crane has an elaborate mating ritual. They paint themselves with mud and their elongated feathers on their rump fluff up to form a bustle. Paired birds spread their wings and leap into the air while vocalizing in what is called "unison calling." This passionate duet is a coordinated effort and quite lengthy.

The female usually lays 2 eggs but it is rare for more than one to survive to adulthood. The nest is made of a mound of emergent vegetation. Both parents care for the young (commonly referred to as a colt) until it is able to feed itself. It will remain with it parents for up to ten months. They learn the migration route from their parents on their first trip south.

The Sandhill Crane 

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Sand Hill Crane Dance

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Nature Photography - Sandhill ...

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Sandhill and Whooping Cranes i...

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Diet 

Sandhill Cranes are omnivores, eating both plant matter and small prey. They will eat young plants and tubers, as well as grains, mice, snakes, insects and worms.

Voice 

The Sandhill Crane's call is similar to the rolling notes of a trumpet.

Sandhill Cranes 

Sandhill Cranes by anneh632

Sandhill Cranes

In flight by anneh632

In flight

Flying solo by anneh632

Flying solo

Sandhill cranes and deer by anneh632

Sandhill cranes and...

Red foliage at Fly In by indigo_iggy

Red foliage at Fly I...

Two Sandhills Flying by indigo_iggy

Two Sandhills Flying

automatically generated by Flickr

Migration 

Most Sandhill Cranes migrate. The route is not instinctive but passed from one generation to the next. They follow roughly same path every year. It is estimated that 80 percent of the migrating Sandhill Cranes use a 75 mile stretch along the Platte River in Nebraska as a rest spot during their spring migration.

Interesting Trivia 

1. Sandhill Cranes can live up to 20 years in the wild but captive birds have been known to live twice that long.
2. Sandhill Cranes rarely start breeding until they are 2 to 7 years old.
3. Before the mating dance, the Sandhill Cranes preen. They add a layer of mud to their feathers and fluff up their bustle.
4. Mated pairs of Sandhill Cranes stay together throughout the year and migrate as a family unit. The young separated from their parents before their first winter cannot migrate. They don't know the route.
5. Observing the annual Sandhill Crane migration has become a popular tourist attraction in Central Nebraska.
6. The Sandhill Crane is the most abundant crane in the world.

Nikon Monarch Binoculars 

Great for Bird Watching

Nikon Monarch ATB Binoculars


Nikon Monarch ATB Binoculars

The Nikon Monarch Binoculars

The waterproof, fog-free Nikon binoculars are perfect for outdoor use. Bright, beautifully defined images are delivered by superior quality, multilayer coated lense.O-ring seals and nitrogen gas provide added resistance to the effects of changes in climate, while the durable design and rubber armoring ensure reliable performance and a comfortable grip, even during prolonged use. Worry-free viewing of the great outdoors.

Peterson's Field Guide to Birds 

Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America (Peterson Field Guide Series)

Amazon Price: $16.38 (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now



An absolute must have for anyone with an interest in watching the birds.

My Favorite Waders 

101 Ways to Help Birds 

101 Ways to Help Birds

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now

101 Ways to Help Birds offers 101 ways for individuals to help birds and bird populations as a whole, and it explains how these actions make a difference. Any bird lover knows that birds and animals alike need our help. Without it, we will lose more and we've lost enough as it is.

Have you seen any interesting birds lately? 

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About the Author 

Lensmaster ElizabethJeanAllen has been a member since March 16 2008, has rated 4,016 lenses, favorited 445, and has created 200 lenses from scratch. Lizzy Jean donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "2009 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments". See all my lenses

Why Birds Do That  

Why Birds Do That: 40 Distinctive Bird Behaviors Explained & Photographed

Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now

Birds are fascinating. Their behavior is complex, often comical. Some sing while others do not. Why Birds Do That explains forty distinctive bird behaviors and is enhanced with numerous photographs. It is a must have book for both the backyard bird watcher as well as the avid birder.

Resources used to construct this page. 

Dunn, J.L. & Alderfer, J., Editors. 2006. National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition. National Geographic Society.

Peterson, T.P. & Peterson, V.M. 2002. Birds of Eastern and Central North America, Fifth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, N.Y.

Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology
Seattle Audubon Society

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