Sandhill Crane

Sandhill cranes are one of the largest, most recognizable birds in Wisconsin, and can commonly be spotted throughout the state from spring through fall. Adults can be identified by the red patch on their forehead, gray feathers that are sometimes stained brown and long, black legs. They grow up to 3-5 feet tall and have a wingspan of up to 5-7 feet. Sandhill cranes are also known for their courtship displays in which pairs dance with each other by jumping in the air, bowing, bobbing their heads, and calling to each other.

In the spring, sandhill cranes will return to Wisconsin by March from their wintering grounds in the Southeast United States. Breeding adults will choose a nesting location that is typically in a wetland with standing water.

Nests are constructed with plant materials such as grasses, sedges or cattails that form a mound. Often, they will lay two eggs but can lay between one to three in a clutch that will hatch after about a month of incubation. The young cranes, called colts, are covered in downy feathers and already have their eyes open. Colts are precocial, which means they are able to leave the nest with their parents within a day. The colts stay close to their parents as they learn to forage for a variety of food, including plants, grains, small vertebrates and invertebrates, amphibians or even small mammals. After about two and a half months, the colts will take their first flight and become more independent.

The family will typically stay together as a unit through migration to their wintering grounds. The juvenile will return with the parents to their breeding territory in the spring if it has not become independent by then. However, upon return, the parents will drive the juvenile from the area so they can initiate nesting. The juvenile will then join with flocks of other non-breeding cranes.

Tip: If you find a seemingly healthy sandhill crane colt by itself, consider how old it is. Colts that are completely covered in downy feathers are still too young to survive on their own. Stop, look, and listen for the colt’s parents. Often, its parents may be in the area, and it is important to give them enough time and space to reunite. If several hours have passed and its parents have not returned, there is a chance the colt may be orphaned. Before intervening, reach out to the DNR or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice.