Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane

Description

The sandhill crane is a medium-sized crane standing roughly 80-120 cm tall with a wingspan approaching 2 metres and a weight of about 3-5 kg. Its plumage is mostly grey, often washed with rusty brown, and it has a long neck, long legs, a pointed bill and a distinctive bare patch of red skin on the crown. In flight it holds both its neck and legs fully stretched out.

Habitat

It breeds across northern North America, nesting in tundra, wetlands and peat bogs. In autumn it migrates south to the southern United States, Mexico and the northern parts of Central America.

Diet

The sandhill crane is omnivorous, feeding on plants, seeds, grain, berries, insects, frogs, and small reptiles and rodents. In farming areas it often gleans leftover crops from fields, such as corn.

Reproduction

Pairs are monogamous and stay together for life. The female usually lays 1-3 eggs, which both parents take turns incubating. The chicks are precocial, leaving the nest within a few hours of hatching and quickly learning to run.

Lifespan

In the wild it typically lives 20-25 years, and in human care it can reach over 30 years.

Did you know?

Sandhill cranes are famous for their spectacular courtship dances, leaping into the air, spreading their wings and giving loud, trumpeting calls.