The Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Cranes are big birds that can reach four-feet tall.  They can be seen across North America at various times during the year.  There are six subspecies: three migratory and three non-migratory. The three non-migratory reside in Florida, Mississippi and Cuba year-round.  All subspecies are hard to distinguish as they all look very similar.  Sandhills Cranes are easy to spot as they are usually in some type of open habitat.

Sandhill Crane 

Sandhill Crane 

This Sandhill Crane is laying on her nest.  These birds produce one to three eggs (usually two), which take about one month to hatch.  After only eight hours, the new chicks can walk and swim.

This pair of sandhill cranes and their little chick were so cute to watch.  They breed for life and take care of their young for up to ten months, even flying with them in migration.  About 80 percent of cranes migrate each year.

 

Foraging for Food

Look at those long legs!

The Sandhill Crane is the 2nd largest Crane in North America.  It is slightly smaller than the Whooping Crane who stands about 5-feet tall.  Whooping Cranes are difficult to find as they are considered an endangered species.  Adult Whooping Cranes have an all-white body, black wing tips (that show when in flight), a reddish crown, and reddish on part of the face.

Beautiful Sandhill Crane in flight.  Their wingspan can reach to over six feet. The rare Whooping Crane can reach up to seven feet.

I hope you enjoy watching these big birds as much as I do.

Happy Birding!