Sandhill Crane
Description: The sandhill crane is among the oldest living bird species. It has a heavy body, long legs, and a long neck. There are six subspecies, which vary in size; three of the subspecies are non-migratory. The bird is a dull blue-gray with a red crown and a long, dark gray bill. The rear has a cluster of bushy feathers called a “bustle.” The back is occasionally stained with rust, and the legs and feet are dark gray. The sexes are nearly identical in appearance. Average size: 35-45 inches. Weight: up to 12 pounds. Males are slightly larger than females.
Science: The migratory subspecies breed in Alaska, throughout northern and central Canada, down into the Great Lakes area, and in small pockets of the northern Rockies. These birds begin their migration early in August. Smaller, non-migratory populations exist in the southeastern states. Birds use similar habitats in their summer and wintering areas. They divide their time between shallow open wetlands areas and prairies, meadows, and pastures. They primarily eat shoots, leaves, and seeds of marsh and meadow plants, but consume different food sources at different times of the year: grasshoppers and other insects in the late summer, small grains in the fall, and freshly sprouted corn and wheat in the winter. In the winter, sandhill cranes move in the morning and late afternoon between their roosting and feeding areas. They form small family groups and large flocks in the winter. Their distinctive loud bugling calls can be heard from miles away. These birds can live up to 20 years. Most of the separate populations are increasing or stable; their biggest threat is the loss of habitat.
Hunting: Sandhill cranes are hunted in a select few states in the south and Great Plains areas. Most likely, a permit or tag is required. These birds can be challenging to hunt, as they have very good eyesight and are quite wary. They sometimes respond to decoys in feeding fields, but are mostly pass-shot in between their feeding and roosting areas. The eating quality ranges from good to fair, depending upon the age of the bird.
