Sandhill Cranes

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The Sandhill Crane

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 stopover 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.

The Sandhill Crane 

sandhill pair - reifel by tgreyfox

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Sandhill Crane by szatmar666

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane Couple by szatmar666

Sandhill Crane Coupl...

Sandhill Crane 3 by szatmar666

Sandhill Crane 3

Sandhill Crane 1 by szatmar666

Sandhill Crane 1

Sandhill Crane 2 by szatmar666

Sandhill Crane 2

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 

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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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Sandhill and Whooping Cranes i...

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Nature Photography - Sandhill ...

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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 

Event Poster for "2009 Festival of the Cranes" in Bosque del Apache, photo by Kevin L. Cole and Digitally Painted and submitted by Chris Vest. by kevincole

Event Poster for &qu...

Sandhill Crane in Love! ( Grus canadensis pratensis ) by Kittyseye

Sandhill Crane in Lo...

Series of Sandhill Cranes ( Grus canadensis pratensis ) from DeBary, Florida by Kittyseye

Series of Sandhill C...

1-4-09 038 Sandhill Cranes - near Tivoli Tx by (Bill and Mavis)  - B&M Photography

1-4-09 038 Sandhill...

Sandhill Cranes Arriving at Cosumnes by ingridtaylar

Sandhill Cranes Arri...

Sandhill Cranes Arriving at Cosumnes by ingridtaylar

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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.

Selecting a Pair of Binoculars 

America's 100 Most Wanted Birds 

America's 100 Most Wanted Birds

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If you want to see a gyrfalcon or a fork-tailed flycatcher, this resource might be your best help in spotting them. Mostly for serious birders intent on adding species to their life lists, America's 100 Most Wanted Birds provides detailed strategies for locating 100 of the most uncommon-to-rare bird species in the United States.

Lizzy's Favorite Birds 

101 Ways to Help Birds 

101 Ways to Help Birds

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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? 

tdove wrote...

Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!

ReplyPosted January 29, 2009

naturegirl7 wrote...

Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.

ReplyPosted January 26, 2009

JaguarJulie wrote...

What a cute picture -- keep it up! Suitable for framing.

ReplyPosted October 11, 2008

CoolFoto wrote...

Hi- I lensrolled you to my sandhill crane lens. We have them in Florida, too.

ReplyPosted October 05, 2008

Gandree wrote...

I have seen quite a few of these in Florida over the last few years. I wouldn't be surprised if some of ours don't migrate. I know they raise young here as I've seen them with their parents. They really are great birds.

ReplyPosted September 27, 2008

 
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About the Author 

Lensmaster ElizabethJeanAllen, aka Lizzy Jean, has been a member since March 16 2008, has rated 3,690 lenses, favorited 454, and has created 169 lenses from scratch. Lizzy Jean donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "The Mallard Duck". See all my lenses

Why Birds Do That  

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

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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