Sandhill cranes usually travel in pairs. Breeding begins between two and seven years of age. The female crane usually lays two eggs, which incubate for 29 to 32 days. If you are really fortunate, you can see the adults with their new babies, called colts, underfoot. The adorable immature birds are reddish brown with a light grey underbelly. Both parents take on the responsibility of feeding the new colts. The chicks fledge at 50 to 90 days.

Once sandhill cranes mate, they will stay together year round, migrating together all the way from Alaska to the southern U.S. and Mexico. Their offspring accompany them as well. In addition to the three species of migratory cranes, there are also three nonmigratory species living year-round in Florida, Mississippi and Cuba.

One of the amazing experiences in Southwest Florida is having a pair of sandhill cranes cross your path! These wonderful large feathered friends, belonging to one of the oldest existing bird species in the world, always receive the right-of-way, and let you know it by slowly walking across a road or golf course in front of you, regardless of your timetable. These birds do not seem to be bothered by the presence of humans, so you are able to observe them at a close distance.

The male and female sandhill cranes look very similar, often making it difficult to tell them apart. The male crane may be slightly larger. Both adults are grey with a bright red forehead, white cheeks and a dark pointed bill. Their long dark legs support a body that can weigh seven to twelve pounds. Standing four to five feet in height with a wing span of up to seven feet, these cranes will certainly command your attention. Sandhill cranes have been known to live in captivity for up to 50 years, and up to 25 years in the wild.

If you haven’t already heard the sandhill cranes’ distinctive call, you undoubtedly won’t forget it once you do! It loudly trumpets a shrill, rolling rattle, similar to a rolling “r” sound in the throat.  Hearing this constant call while the crane is in flight is quite common. These birds are truly a magnificent sight to behold as they gracefully soar straight-bodied through the air, loudly announcing their flight to those near and far.

Written by Kellie MacDonell
Photographed by Lynne Minguez
Printed May 2007