Sandhill Cranes
Audubon of Martin County Sandhill Crane Coordinator
CraneWatch@AudubonMartinCounty.org
Status
The Florida subspecies of Sandhill Cranes is endemic to Florida. It is currently listed as "Threatened" by the State of Florida. Being a wetland-dependent species, Sandhill Cranes have benefited from Martin County's stringent wetland-protection regulations. During the winter months our resident cranes are joined by more northern-breeding sub species that are still hunted in several states.
Their Challenges
Sandhill Cranes suffer from habitat loss and fragmentation. While they seem to have adapted well to living within built up areas their human neighbors still pose serious threats, principally via the car and golf club. Golfing accidents can occur year 'round, with birds being hit by golf balls while foraging across fairways. It is, however, during the breeding season when their offspring are still flightless that Sandhill Crane are most vulnerable. Families must cross roads to get to foraging grounds. Despite their height and stately pace the birds' coloring blends well with that of asphalt and they are often not seen in time by drivers. Also, drivers new to Florida assume that a SHC will be intimidated by the rapid approach of a car and react by flying off in time — not so unfortunately.
Natural History
Sandhill Cranes are interesting and noteworthy members of the bird population in Florida's Treasure Coast. Historically, these large, heavy bodied, long-legged birds have inhabited open grassland, prairies and fresh water marshes throughout much of Florida.
Standing over 3 feet tall and having a wingspan of more than 6 feet, a close-up sight of a Sandhill Crane is an unforgettable experience; these cranes are generally brownish-gray but have a distinctive, bright red crown. Males and females look alike, but the males are usually a little larger.
In the wild, Sandhill Cranes may live for over 25 years. Sandhill Cranes mate for life, but will search for a new mate if one of a pair dies. Sandhill cranes will not use the same nest year after year, but will return to the same general area if a nesting season has been successful. They typically lay 2 eggs, and the incubation period is approximately 30 days. Youngsters are able to walk within 1 day, grow rapidly and are nearly as large as their parents when the learn to fly at about 8 weeks of age. The family will stay together for 9 to 20 months.
Research has shown that the majority of a Sandhill Crane's diet is plant matter (e.g., seeds, grains, berries and tubers, They'll also eat insects, snails, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. Although they are considered a wetland dependent species, Sandhill Cranes spend little or no time foraging in water. Their requirement is for shallow marshy areas in which to nest. The several inches of water gives the nest some protection from terrestrial predators but does not make them too vulnerable to aquatic species. The long-legged chicks can stride through the shallows to follow parents on feeding forays. Unfortunately, nesting in our many and often attractive ponds used to collect storm water runoff often results in failures when rapidly rising water drowns eggs.
How You Can Help
- Don't encourage Cranes into close contact with food. They are large and bold birds who can inflict serious injuries to pets and children. Often going for faces.
- If you put out food to supplement their diet ensure that is a natural product (for example, corn, not bread) and put it out in a such way that does not encourage the birds to associate humans with food (for example, not in front of the birds immediately on your back door step).
- Make a contribution to our or contact the Audubon office.
- Join Audubon of Martin County's CraneWatch Program
- Educate and support neighbors wishing to protect their local Sandhill Cranes
- Monitor a Crane family to provide information about how well SHC are coping in urban environments
- If you see cranes habitually exposing themselves to traffic hazards, contact Audubon of Martin County to have your site evaluated for sign installation.
Greg Braun photo
Get A Sign!
The Sandhill Crane awareness and crossing sign installation project has been developed by Audubon of Martin County, with support and donations from our members and friends. Our thanks to Martin County Department of Transportation for installing signs where Audubon of Martin County ascertains there is an urgency to protect a particular locality.
If you see cranes habitually exposing themselves to traffic hazards like this "accident waiting to happen" >contact Pam to have your site evaluated for sign installation.
To receive pamphlets on these endangered birds to share with your family, HOA or group, call the Audubon of Martin County Office at 772-288-2637.
