Sandhill Cranes – Unique Florida

Yash Rai
03/27/2020

The Florida Sandhill Crane (Scientific Name: Grus Canadensis) is a beautiful and unique creature, and we are lucky enough to have them in Florida. Being a non-migratory bird, this species spends its entire life in Florida. Natives of the sunshine state can easily identify this bird by the red skin on its head, and its unique trumpet-like call.

Protected

Cranes are the oldest birds on the planet. The oldest Florida Sandhill Crane fossils are estimated to be 2.5 million years old! There are now estimated to be around 5,000 left in Florida’s population today. Since these cranes are usually found in freshwater ponds and marshes, they have many obstacles that threaten their species. These threats include wetland drainage and conversion of prairie for development. Reasons such as this have made the Florida Sandhill Crane a protected species by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Appearance

Some unique features about this wondrous crane are surrounding its appearance! Not only is its head an interesting brick-red color, but this bird also stands up to 4 – 5 feet and has been recorded to weigh around 10-14 pounds! That’s a big bird! In many cases its wingspan is longer than the bird stands. A Florida Sandhill Crane can have a wingspan up to 6 – 7 feet! Newborn Sandhill Cranes have an orange tint to their feathers for the first couple of months of its life. Many residents in the Florida region look forward to June/July to start seeing the newly born cranes.

Reproduction

Florida Sandhill Cranes are monogamous, which means they breed for life. Since their lifespan can be up to 30 – 40 years, that is about as long as some humans spend their lives together too! If you’re driving down the road, and you see a Florida Sandhill Crane, chances are they are not going to be alone. Usually they are seen in pairs, or groups! The mating season for these Florida Cranes falls in the spring, between April and May. Their eggs take anywhere from 29-32 days to hatch, and then the little orange newborn pops out! Florida Sandhill Cranes also raise their young together.

If you’re a Florida resident, you already know the beauty we have here, and how lucky we are to have this beautiful creature living in our climate. The Sandhill Cranes adds a unique experience to any day on the river, or even a bird-watching tour at one of the state parks!

Full details:

Make your new Citrus Hills home your permanent Florida residence by December 31, 2026, and you may qualify for expanded Homestead tax benefits beginning in 2027. Under Florida’s newly approved Amendment 3, eligible homeowners may exempt up to $150,000 of their home’s assessed value from non-school property taxes in 2027, increasing to $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments beginning in 2029. A separate exemption of up to $25,000 applies to school district property taxes. Homestead benefits also include Florida’s Save Our Homes protection, which limits annual increases in assessed value beginning the year after the home first receives a homestead exemption, subject to applicable exceptions. To qualify for the expanded exemption in 2027, you must have established permanent Florida residency by December 31, 2026, own and occupy the home as your permanent residence as of January 1, 2027, and apply for homestead exemption by March 1, 2027. Actual tax savings depend on your home’s assessed value, applicable tax rates, and individual circumstances. Eligibility and savings depend on individual circumstances and are determined by the Citrus County Property Appraiser.

Terms and Conditions :

Offer valid on new home purchase agreements executed between June 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026 through Citrus Hills Construction and is contingent upon successful closing. Qualified purchasers will receive complimentary meals for one (1) year from the date of closing for personal use by the primary homeowner at participating Citrus Hills restaurants. This offer does not include meals for guests, tenants, secondary owners, family members, or other household members. 

Offer includes food items only and excludes all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, gratuities, taxes, special event menus, themed dinners, holiday dining experiences, catering, takeout, and promotional offerings unless otherwise determined by Citrus Hills.

Dining privileges are non-transferable, have no cash value, and may not be assigned, exchanged, or redeemed for cash or credit. Offer is limited to reasonable household use, not to exceed a single entree per homeowner per day. Citrus Hills reserves the right to determine reasonable usage limits and to suspend or revoke dining privileges in cases of misuse, abuse, excessive use, or violation of community or club rules.

Offer may not be combined with any other promotion, incentive, or discount unless expressly approved in writing by Citrus Hills. Not valid on prior contracts or previously closed homes. 

Restaurant participation, availability, operating hours, and menu offerings are subject to change without notice. Citrus Hills reserves the right to discontinue this promotion prospectively at any time. Additional terms and conditions may apply. See Sales Executive for complete details. 

Terms and Conditions :

No purchase necessary to enter or win. One (1) entry per tour will be provided upon completion of an in-person tour of The Villages of Citrus Hills between May 1, 2026 and July 15, 2026, regardless of the number of tours completed.

Prize consists of a trip for two (2) to the 2026 U.S. Open, including event tickets for one day of play, round-trip coach airfare, and standard hotel accommodations. Drawing will be held on or about July 17, 2026.

Winner will be notified via phone and/or email and must accept the prize within 5 days or an alternate winner may be selected. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

Travel dates, event tickets, and accommodations are subject to availability and may be determined at Citrus Hills’ sole discretion. Prize is non-transferable, has no cash alternative, and cannot be substituted except at sponsor’s discretion. Taxes, upgrades, and additional expenses not expressly included are the responsibility of the winner.

Employees, affiliates, and immediate family members are not eligible. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms may apply.

The US Open is a registered trademark of the United States Tennis Association. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the USTA.

Terms and Conditions:

 
Offer valid on new construction homes purchased through Citrus Hills Construction with a fully executed purchase agreement between July 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026. Citrus Hills Construction will pay the buyer’s customary title closing costs when the home is closed through Manatee Title, LLC. Closing costs must be verified by an official Closing Disclosure prepared by Manatee Title, LLC. Citrus Hills Construction will provide a credit at closing for eligible closing costs as reflected on the final settlement statement. Offer does not include closing costs associated with financing, prepaid items, prorated expenses, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, club membership deposits, optional upgrades, or non-standard fees.
 
Offer is non-transferable and may not be combined with other incentives unless expressly approved in writing. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply. See Sales Executive for details.

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