The Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)

by Diane Constable

The Sandhill Crane is the tallest bird you will see in our area. This magnificent bird is also one of the oldest bid species on earth. Native Indians considered them peacemakers, good luck omens, and symbols of independence and wisdom.

In the Spring observers may enjoy the treat of seeing them dance with each other, jumping, bowing, and flapping their wings.

They are generally gray in color, but in summer they preen their feathers with mud containing iron oxide. This stains their feathers reddish brown—better for hiding in the marshes.

Sandhills are very family-oriented and mate for life. They make their nests in marshes and smaller lakes, usually raising two babies, called colts. The colts remain with their parents for nearly a year and stay in their family units for the summer. Once the kids are older, they start flocking together in larger groups.

Around December all head south when the weather turns cold. Many stop in southwest Tennessee; some continue to northern Florida. They are one of the first birds to return, generally in mid-March but have been spotted as early as late February.