LONG AND LEAN
With their light colored plumage and impressive size, these birds are easy to spot. Most cranes possess streamlined bodies with elongated legs and neck, broad feet, and a patch of bare red skin on the head. The preferred locations to feed, nest and roost are areas with minimal human contact such as grassy open fields near freshwater lakes and marshlands. Mothers always want the best for their kids and cranes are no different. Sandhills construct several nests, but eventually choose one in which to lay their eggs. No picky eaters here! As opportunistic feeders, cranes consume a variety of plant and animal foods including nuts, grains, insects, amphibians, small rodents and even crustaceans.

CALLING ALL CRANES
Their sound has been described as trumpet-like and at times, haunting. Cranes have powerful vocal capabilities which allow them to communicate with each other. As chicks, these birds can produce a variety of sounds such as contact calls, stress calls, and hunger calls. Within the first year, juveniles also learn the important “flight-intention call.” This alerts other members of the flock to prepare for flight. As cranes mature, the voice deepens and gains strength in volume, thus enabling calls to be heard over vast distances. One of the most dramatic calls happens as a duet. “Unison calls” occur with mated pairs and are usually heard prior to the breeding season. Generally, this type of auditory response is meant to intimidate potential intruders, establish specific territories, and initiate and maintain pair bond relationships. Whooping cranes get their name from the “whooping-like” sound they create.

TALL BIRD, LOW NUMBERS
As a result of over hunting and habitat loss, only 21 whooping cranes existed in North America during the 1940’s. Despite its strong presence throughout history and folklore, most species of cranes are now considered endangered. Sometimes it’s a case of mistaken identity. Because fall migrations normally coincide with specific hunting seasons, hunters have mistaken Whooping cranes for Snow Geese. Unfortunately for the cranes, the mistake is often fatal. Nest and brood predators are mainly raccoons, Bald Eagles, and Black Bears. However, man-made objects pose the greatest threat to migrating flocks. Cranes have been known to collide or become entangled with communication towers and power lines. These issues coupled with slow reproductive rates are factors that have kept populations low.

LET’S DANCE!
To attract a potential mate, cranes can really shake it up! During social events like courting rituals, synchronized dances are commonly performed. This elaborate movement, which consist of short flights, leaps, and bows with wings extended are also a way to relieve stress and just have fun. In the excitement of the moment, cranes are known to pick up and toss with their beak sticks, feathers, grass, and other random objects. Dancing, it’s contagious! Once a few cranes begin to dance, additional members of the flock will join the excitement and partake in this flamboyant activity.

Resources for this article have been provided by the Journey North, North American Crane Working Group and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.