About the Sandhill Crane
The Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) is a species documented in our database. Learn more about this species through the information below.
Conservation Status
Sandhill Crane is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Population Trend
stable
Current Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Climate change
- Hunting and poaching
Photo Gallery
5 photos available
Geographic Distribution
Distribution by Region
Western Canada
Continent: North America
Country: Canada
Region: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan
Western United States
Continent: North America
Country: United States
Region: California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana
Central Plains
Continent: North America
Country: United States
Region: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota
Distribution Overview
The Sandhill Crane is a migratory species, spending the summer months in Canada and the western United States, and the winter months in the southern United States and Mexico.
Quick Facts
- Size
- 80 - 120 cm
- Weight
- 2.5 - 6 kg
- Lifespan
- up to 20-30 years
- Diet
- Grains (corn, wheat, oats), Insects (grasshoppers, crickets, beetles), Small animals (mice, frogs, snakes), Fruits and berries
Habitat
WetlandsGrasslandsAgricultural areasTundras
Behavior
- Migrates in large flocks, often with other crane species
- Forages for food in wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas
- Engages in elaborate courtship displays, involving dancing and calling
- Forms long-term monogamous pairs, with pairs staying together for many years
- Nests on the ground, using vegetation to construct a nest cup