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!
