Long Legged Waders

Sandhill Crane

Grus canadensis
Sandhill Crane thumbnail
Length: 48 in. (122 cm )
Wintering in small to immense numbers in shallow wetlands, this crane is often attracted to the vicinity of corn and grain fields. Each evening the cranes return to a few protected areas to roost together. In flight they often form in a \V\, and at other times they will soar high on thermals in spiraling groups. In the summer, pairs claim territories in open, secluded grassy and marshy areas near water. The large nest is made of sticks, mud, moss and grass and placed on the ground near moist areas. The cranes eat a wide range of food, but in the winter primarily aquatic vegetation, seed and grain. In the summer the diet expands to include insects, small mammals, young birds and eggs. In migration these cranes learn to stop at the same historical migratory stop-over sites each year, and great concentrations can be seen at these sites for a few days each spring and fall.

The four-digit banding code is SACR.


Aerial

Agricultural

Marsh / swamp

Mudflat
Bird Sound Type: Honking
Sex of Bird: Male
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Bird Sound Type: Honking
Sex of Bird: Male
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View Citation

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Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Sandhill Crane
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: March 26, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/sandhill-crane

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). Sandhill Crane. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 26, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/sandhill-crane

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Sandhill Crane". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/sandhill-crane

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Sandhill Crane". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 26 Mar 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/sandhill-crane

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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