November 4, 2024 By Katie Roundtree

Sandhill cranes, with their long legs, necks, and distinctive gray plumage, are a sight to behold. Their striking appearance, including the patch of red skin on their head, sets them apart as they stand almost 4 feet tall. You may spot them near preserves and wetlands, in parking lots, or even walking across roads, seemingly oblivious to danger.  They often travel in small groups or pairs, sometimes with their young ones in tow, adding to their unique charm. 

Two subspecies of sandhill crane live in Florida at certain times of the year.  The Florida sandhill crane (Grus Canadensis pratensis), numbering 4,000 to 5,000, is a non-migratory year-round breeding resident.  They are joined every winter by 25,000 migratory greater sandhill cranes (Grus Canadensis tabida), the larger of the two subspecies, that winter in Florida but nest in the Great Lakes region. 

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. In the wild, crane chicks follow their parents and peck food from their beaks. By the time they are two to three months old, they are independent and can find food on their own.  They are doting and protective parents. One bird will watch out for the others while feeding. Juveniles stay with their parent from 9 to 10 months after hatching.  Before juveniles are old enough to breed, they may travel and feed in flocks called "bachelor flocks."

They have been around for a very long time. The first known 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 habitat loss, 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.

As omnivores, sandhill cranes play a crucial role in Florida's ecosystem. Their diet, which includes plants and small animals like snails, frogs, worms, and grubs,   provides natural biological control for their grazing areas. This unique pest control service they offer is one of the many reasons we appreciate their presence in our environment.  Sandhill Cranes spend most of the daylight hours in areas where food is most abundant, generally walking several miles a day through dry pastures, fields, wet meadows, or marshes in search for food, eating as they go.

People inadvertently put them in harm's way when feeding them, thinking 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 young cranes.  Occasionally, birds 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. Feeding them can disrupt their natural foraging behavior, making them more susceptible to these dangers.

Look around and enjoy these beautiful birds interacting with our Florida environment. Give them space if you encounter 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.