Sandhill Cranes at Sawtooth Range, Idaho, USA
Tim Peterson
Conservation Status: As a species, they are not considered threatened. Mass: 7.1 – 11 lbs Scientific name: Grus canadensis Nickname: rib eye of the sky Class: Aves Domain: Eukaryota Family: Gruidae Genus: Antigone Habitat: Small bogs, marshes, prairies Flight Speed: 25-35 mph Flight Distance: 200-300 miles a day, but can reach 500 miles with a good tail wind. Range: Northern North America, Southeastern US, extreme Northeastern Siberia Diet: Omnivorous. Seeds, berries, roots, corn, wheat grains, rodents, snails, insects, frogs, lizards, and nestling birds.
Why are they important?
A 10 million year old sandhill crane fossil was found in Nebraska. This discovery makes them the oldest known surviving bird species. These living fossils still follow their ancient migratory routes from breeding grounds in the northern prairie marshes to southern wintering areas each fall.
They are considered one of the most successful life forms on Earth, having outlasted more than 99% of all species that ever existed.
Fun Facts:
Sandhill cranes mate for life and stay with their mates year-round
Chicks can leave the nest within 8 hours of hatching, and are even capable of swimming.
Sandhill cranes are territorial during the breeding seasons, and each pair will vigorously defend its nesting area.
Sandhill cranes "paint" themselves by preening mud into their feathers prior to the breeding season. Sandhill cranes preen because:
Helps them hide amid the brown vegetation in a marsh
Waterproofs feathers
Insulates feathers
Increased aerodynamics
Attracting a mate
Keeping a mate
