Sandhill cranes nest in shallow wetlands, building large mound nests of cattails, sedges, and other vegetation, where they typically lay two eggs each spring. Both parents incubate the eggs for about 30 days and then care for the young chicks, called colts, for nearly a year.
Sandhill Crane Breeding Range and Migration
Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) are one of the most widespread crane species in North America, with breeding populations stretching from the Arctic tundra of Canada and Siberia to the wetlands of Florida and Cuba. The migratory populations, such as the Mid-Continent and Eastern flocks, travel thousands of miles between their northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas. The famous staging area on the Platte River in Nebraska sees over 500,000 cranes each spring, but these birds continue north to nest in the prairie potholes and boreal wetlands of Canada and Alaska.
Nest Site Selection and Construction
Sandhill cranes build their nests in shallow water, usually 6 to 12 inches deep, in marshes, wet meadows, or the edges of ponds and lakes. The nest is a large platform of dead and living vegetation, often measuring 3 to 5 feet across and rising a few inches above the water. Both the male and female gather plant material, with the male often bringing larger stems while the female arranges them. Nests are typically placed in dense emergent vegetation, which provides cover from predators and shelter from wind. Some pairs reuse a nest site in successive years, adding new material to the old platform.
Egg Laying and Incubation
Sandhill cranes usually lay two eggs, with a typical interval of two days between them. The eggs are oval, about 3.5 to 4 inches long, and are a buff or olive color with brown blotches, providing camouflage in the nest. Incubation begins with the first egg, so the chicks hatch asynchronously, usually a day or two apart. Both parents share incubation duties, with one bird often staying on the nest while the other feeds or stands guard. The incubation period lasts about 29 to 32 days. If a nest is destroyed early in the season, a pair may renest, but this is less common in the northern parts of their range where the breeding season is short.
Chick Rearing and Fledging
Sandhill crane chicks are precocial, meaning they are covered in down and can leave the nest within a day or two of hatching. However, they remain dependent on their parents for food and protection. The parents lead the chicks to feeding areas, where they learn to pick up insects, seeds, and small vertebrates. The chicks grow rapidly, and by 10 weeks they are usually able to fly. The family stays together through the fall migration and often through the winter, with the young birds remaining with their parents until the next breeding season. This long period of parental care is unusual among birds and is crucial for the chicks to learn migration routes and feeding skills.
Common Nesting Problems and Predators
Sandhill crane nests face many natural threats. Raccoons, ravens, crows, and even coyotes may raid nests for eggs or chicks. In areas with high water levels, nests can be flooded, especially during spring storms. Conversely, drought can dry up wetlands, exposing nests to terrestrial predators. Human disturbance, such as boating or off-road vehicle use near nesting areas, can cause the parents to leave the nest, leaving eggs vulnerable to cooling or predation. In agricultural landscapes, cranes sometimes nest in hayfields or near croplands, where mowing or plowing can destroy nests. Conservation efforts often involve working with landowners to protect nesting sites and manage water levels.
Conservation Status and Nesting Success
Sandhill cranes are not considered endangered; in fact, the overall population is healthy and even expanding in some areas. However, certain subspecies, such as the Mississippi sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis pulla), are endangered and have very restricted nesting ranges. Nesting success varies widely by region and year. In good years, a pair may successfully fledge one or both chicks, but in poor years, many nests fail. The Greater Sandhill Crane, which nests in the Great Lakes region and the western United States, has benefited from wetland restoration and is increasing in numbers. The key to their nesting success is the availability of large, undisturbed wetlands with stable water levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sandhill cranes nest in trees?
No, sandhill cranes almost always nest on the ground, usually in shallow water. They build their nest on a platform of vegetation that floats or is built up from the bottom. Unlike some other crane species, they do not nest in trees.
How long do sandhill crane chicks stay with their parents?
Sandhill crane chicks stay with their parents for about 10 to 11 months, until the next breeding season. They migrate with their parents and learn the migration route. The young birds are then driven off to find their own territories.
What time of year do sandhill cranes lay eggs?
Sandhill cranes lay eggs in the spring, typically from late April to early June, depending on latitude. In the far north, nesting begins later, while in southern areas like Florida, it can start as early as March.
Can sandhill crane eggs be moved if a nest is in a dangerous place?
Moving sandhill crane eggs is generally not recommended and is often illegal without a permit, as they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. If a nest is in an area of human activity, it is best to contact a local wildlife agency for guidance. In some cases, biologists may move eggs to a safer location or into a captive-rearing program, but this is a last resort.
Why do sandhill cranes dance?
Sandhill cranes perform elaborate dancing displays that involve bowing, leaping, and tossing objects. This behavior is seen during courtship and pair bonding, but also occurs at other times, possibly to relieve aggression or strengthen social bonds. It is not directly related to nesting but is part of their overall breeding behavior.
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