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Greater Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis tabida | Average Length: | 34-48 inches | | Average Wingspan: | 6-8 feet | | Average Weight: | Male: 10-14 lbs. | | | Female: 7-10 lbs. | | | | Breeding Season:
| January-May | Incubation Period:
| 28 - 31 days
| | Brood Size: | 2, rarely 3 | | | | Diet:
| Wild: Largely vegetarian, also grasshoppers, beetles, snakes, frogs, grains, berries | | | Captive: Commercial game bird pellets, small rodents | Lifespan:
| Wild: 12 years
| | | Captive: 24 years
| | | | Status in Illinois:
| Threatened, federally protected
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Early settlers called sandhill cranes “preacher birds” because their antics resembled a preacher leading his congregation. This joyous “dancing” is one of the most remarkable and thrilling sights in the animal world. Dancing cranes bow ceremoniously to each other, bounce into the air as high as 20 feet, hop about from one foot to the other, flap their wings, toss their heads, pirouette, toss sticks into the air, and use many other elaborate gestures. This dancing was once thought to be part of a mating ritual, but since Sandhill Cranes mate for life, there seems no real need for extensive courtship. These fantastic shows are now believed to take place to enforce social and family bonds, and to communicate with others.
In conjunction with elaborate ground performances, Sandhill Cranes have varied vocalizations for communication. A Sandhill Crane’s very long trachea allows it to make very loud, very long calls. Animal behaviorists have studied these calls and have identified some of these calls as having specific meanings (i.e.: distress, location, unison, nesting). Family and social bonding seem to be an important part of the Sandhill Crane’s life.
As mentioned, Sandhill Cranes mate for life. As juveniles, cranes will often “date” 3-4 other cranes before settling down with a life mate. To an experienced onlooker, a crane’s cheeks reveal its relationship status. For unknown reasons, a paired Sandhill Crane almost always has bright white cheeks, while unpaired Sandhill Cranes have gray cheeks. This feature may help unpaired cranes identify each other.
Although on the whole, Sandhill Cranes are peaceful birds, they are well equipped to handle any situation that may arise. A crane’s wings can deliver powerful blows, much like a pair of fists. In addition, their large wingspan can keep potential threats at a safe distance. The feet can also act as a powerful weapon. Long legs and very sharp claws pose a strong threat to intruders or nest robbers, as well as its long pointed beak, which can be used much like a dagger (Sandhill Cranes have remarkable aim with their bill).
A crane’s long bill not only acts as a weapon, but as a feeding tool. A Sandhill Crane will probe the ground for grubs and insects, sometimes reaching 4-5 inches below the surface. The bill is also used to break up larger food items that cannot be swallowed whole.
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