April 8, 2022 By Katie Roundtree

Sandhill cranes are long-legged, long-necked gray, heron like birds with a patch of red skin on their head.  They are distinctive looking birds standing almost 4 feet tall and can be seen near preserves and wetlands, in parking lots and walking across roads oblivious to danger.  They travel in small groups or pairs sometimes with young in tow.

Sandhill cranes mate for life and attract mates using an elaborate dance.  These cranes nest during late winter and early spring on mats of vegetation found in shallow water such as preserves or marshes.  Sandhill chicks can leave the nest as early as 8 hours after hatching and can swim if necessary. Juveniles stay with their parent from 9 to 10 months after hatching.

They have been around for a very long time.  The first know Sandhill Crane fossil was found in the Macasphalt Shell Pit in Florida.  It was estimated to be about 2.5 million years old.  They are not endangered but due to loss of habitat, their populations can be of concern in certain areas.  They are attracted to open areas in urban settings such as golf courses, parks in subdivisions and undeveloped land in commercial areas.

Sandhill cranes are omnivores, which means that they eat plants as well as small animals like snails, frogs, worms and grubs.   They provide natural biological control for their grazing areas as they eat these common pests of turf.  Sandhill cranes have an abundance of natural foods and do not need handouts from humans.

People inadvertently put them in harm’s way when feeding them, thinking that they are being kind.  It is never a good idea to feed wildlife.  In fact, in 2002, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission made it illegal to feed sandhill cranes (Florida Fish and Wildlife Code 68A-4.00(3)).  Why was this done? Cranes can become aggressive when fed by people.  When they are used to a free meal, they will continue to return and demand it when it is not offered.  Cranes returning to a yard where they have been fed are prone to injury by cars as they cross the street to get to the yard. They are also more vulnerable to predation by dogs or cats, especially the young cranes.  Occasionally, birds have been known to cause damage to property as a territorial defense behavior upon seeing their reflection in cars or window screens. Pesticides in yards and urban areas can also be of concern as they forage for food in the ground.

Look around and enjoy these beautiful birds as they interact within our Florida environment.  Many of them can be found in the preserves and marshes in our area.  Give them their space if you come across them and be mindful of them crossing or walking in our roadways. Finally, please do not feed them for the good of the cranes and Florida’s delicate ecosystem.  For more information, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at www.myfwc.com.