Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
Southeast Region
Foggy Morning - Photo by Ingrid Kobler

Mississippi Sandhill Cranes - Their Unique Biology

Cranes look superficially like herons and their relatives. Both are tall, thin, and have long legs, necks and beaks. Despite their appearance, though, cranes are not closely related to herons, and their biology and way of living is quite different.

Most commonly, the Great Blue Heron is compared to a crane.

Cranes
Herons
Sandhill Crane in Flight Fly with neck outstretched Fly with recurved neck Great Blue Heron in Flight
Bare red crown Fully feathered head
Loud, rattling
bugle call		 Croak call
Long-lived Short-lived
Sandhill Crane Standing Monogamous Change Mates Great Blue Heron Standing
Nest on ground,
solitary		 Nest in tree,
colonial
Lay 1-2 eggs Lay 4-7 eggs
Parents take
chick to food		 Parents take
food to chick
Young stay
with parents
10 months

Parents desert
young after fledging
(?? months)
Long subadult period
(3-8 years)		 Breed at 1-2 years
Crane Nest with Jake Valentine
Nesting Habits

Cranes are territorial nesters.

Herons and egrets nest in rookeries with many other birds.
Heron/Egret Rookery
     
Mouse over the photos below to learn more about a Year in the Life of a Crane.
     
     


Last updated: January 2, 2008

News | Permits | Info | Special Events Calendar

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home Page | Department of the Interior | USA.gov | About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Accessibility | Privacy | Notices | Disclaimer | FOIA

 

U S Fish and Wildlife Service