Sandhill Cranes are large, distinctive birds found across North America. They are recognizable by their tall stature, long legs and neck, and a striking red patch on their forehead. While some populations are non-migratory, many undertake extensive seasonal journeys, flying thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. These birds are a notable part of wetland ecosystems and agricultural landscapes, often gathering in large numbers during migration.
Breeding Season and Mating Rituals
Sandhill Cranes begin their breeding season in early spring, with migratory populations laying eggs in April or May. Non-migratory populations may start nesting as early as December. Cranes form lifelong pair bonds, which can last for many years.
Before nesting, Sandhill Cranes engage in elaborate courtship displays known as “dancing.” This ritual involves a series of movements including bowing, head pumping, leaping into the air, and wing-spreading. These dances serve to reinforce the pair bond and signal readiness to breed. Both males and females also perform unison calls, a distinct rattling sound that helps strengthen their connection.
Nesting and Egg Laying
Sandhill Cranes construct their nests primarily in wetland habitats, such as marshes, bogs, or wet meadows, often in standing water. They build these nests from available plant materials like cattails, sedges, bulrushes, and grasses, forming a mound that can be floating or anchored to the ground. The female typically stands in the center, arranging materials tossed by both parents to create a cup-shaped hollow.
A typical clutch consists of one to two eggs, though rarely three may be laid. The eggs are oval-shaped and range in color from pale brownish-buff to olive, often marked with irregular brown or gray speckles. Incubation begins once the first egg is laid and lasts approximately 28 to 32 days. Both parents share incubation duties, taking turns, with the female often incubating through the night.
Hatching and Chick Development
Sandhill Crane chicks hatch from late April to June. Newly hatched chicks are described as precocial, meaning they are well-developed at birth. They are covered in downy, yellow-brown feathers, have their eyes open, and are capable of leaving the nest and walking or swimming within hours of hatching.
Parents provide extensive care, brooding the chicks for up to three weeks to provide warmth and protection. They feed the young intensively during the first few weeks, often by pecking food from their own beaks for the chicks to take. Chicks gradually learn to forage for themselves, but parents continue to offer food and protect them from predators for several months. Sandhill Crane chicks, also called “colts,” grow rapidly and take their first flights between 65 and 75 days after hatching. They remain with their parents for an extended period, typically 9 to 10 months, and accompany them during migration before becoming independent.