Although it’s not very often, I occasionally see these big birds while out and about in my home state of Ohio. This is among the oldest living species of birds, dating back 2-1/2 million years. Sandhill Cranes are currently listed as a threatened species in Ohio, though they have made a comeback after being extirpated in the mid-20th century. They returned to Ohio in 1987 to breed in Wayne County and have expanded their range since.
Sandhill Cranes are wading birds characterized by long legs, necks, and bills. An adult sandhill crane stands about 4 feet tall, sports a 6 foot wingspan and weighs up to 12 pounds. Perhaps the most unique characteristic of the sandhill crane is its tendency to dance. Although an integral part of their courtship, they can be seen dancing any time of the year. The dance of the sandhill crane includes many quick steps around each other, wings half spread with an occasional leap into the air up to eight feet off the ground.
These birds are primarily a wetland-dependent species. Sandhill Cranes live on a diet of small rodents, reptiles, amphibians, grains, insects, and berries. On their wintering grounds, they will utilize agricultural fields; however, they roost in shallow, standing water or moist bottomlands. On breeding grounds they require a rather large tract of wet meadow, shallow marsh, or bog for nesting.
Sandhill Cranes, the most abundant of the world’s cranes, are found throughout most of North America. They spend most of the year in Canada and the northern United States, migrating to the southern United States and Mexico for the winter. In Ohio, Sandhill Cranes are listed as an threatened species due to habitat loss.
The beauty of Sandhill Cranes has permeated cultures all over the world, and the species has captured the attention of many groups throughout history. There are at least ten annual Sandhill Crane festivals around the United States, from Tennessee to Washington. Colorado has two.