Sandhill cranes are large migratory birds that breed in northern North America and winter primarily in the southern United States and Mexico. Their annual migrations occur in late winter and early spring as they move north to their breeding grounds, and again in late fall as they return south for the winter.
Spring Migration
The spring migration of sandhill cranes typically begins in February and continues through April. The exact timing varies by region and is influenced by weather conditions each year. Here is an overview of when sandhill cranes migrate north in the spring:
- February: Sandhill cranes begin leaving their wintering grounds in southern U.S. states like Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Small numbers may start reaching northern states like Nebraska and Wisconsin.
- March: Migration peaks in many areas. Large concentrations of sandhill cranes stop in the Platte River valley in Nebraska, a major spring staging area. Cranes also continue pushing north into the Dakotas, Minnesota, Michigan, and southern Canada.
- April: Sandhill cranes arrive on breeding grounds in northern Canada and Alaska. Migration wraps up for most populations by early or mid-April.
Fall Migration
In the fall, sandhill cranes follow a southbound migration route from their northern breeding areas back to southern wintering grounds. This migration generally takes place between September and November each year:
- September: Sandhill cranes begin to congregate in large flocks in staging areas like Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in Indiana. Migration gets underway, with some birds reaching southern states.
- October: Fall migration peaks. Large numbers of cranes fly south through the Great Plains region, concentrating in Nebraska and other states. Migration continues into the southern U.S.
- November: Most sandhill cranes have completed their southbound migration. Wintering grounds are established in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico.
Key Migration Staging Areas
Sandhill cranes rely on key staging areas to rest and build up energy during their long migrations. Major spring and fall staging sites include:
- Platte River Valley, Nebraska: Hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes stop in the Platte each spring, making this one of Earth’s greatest migration spectacles.
- Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Area, Indiana: Up to 20,000 sandhill cranes gather in fall at this important site.
- Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks: 10,000+ sandhill cranes stop over in these adjacent parks in spring and fall.
- Last Mountain Lake, Saskatchewan: A key spring staging ground in Canada for the Mid-Continent Population.
Why Migrate?
Sandhill cranes migrate for a few key reasons:
- Breeding: They migrate north in spring to take advantage of abundant wetland habitat and long daylight hours for breeding in Canada and Alaska.
- Wintering: They migrate south in fall to find open water and nutritious food resources that are scarce in northern winter areas.
- Weather: Migration helps sandhill cranes avoid harsh northern winters and find favorable conditions year-round.
Notable Migration Routes
The main sandhill crane populations follow some well-established migration corridors:
- Central Flyway: The Mid-Continent Population migrates north/south through the Great Plains region following the Platte River.
- Pacific Flyway: The Pacific Coast Population migrates along a route west of the Rocky Mountains.
- Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways: Eastern populations migrate through these eastern routes.
How Far Do They Migrate?
Migration distances vary by population, but sandhill cranes are long-distance migrants. Some key examples:
- Mid-Continent Population: Breeds as far north as Siberia and winters along the Texas Gulf Coast. Round trip ~5,000 miles.
- Lesser Sandhill Cranes: Breed in Alaska and winter in California. Round trip 3,000+ miles.
- Greater Sandhill Cranes: Breed in northern Canada, winter in southeastern U.S. Round trip 2,500 miles.
Migration Speeds
Sandhill cranes can complete their long migrations at impressive speeds when conditions are favorable:
- Average daily migration: 20 to 40 miles per day
- With a tailwind: Can cover 200-300 miles in a single day
- Total migration: Typically takes 1-2 months in spring and fall
Threats During Migration
Sandhill cranes face a number of hazards during their biannual migrations, including:
- Habitat loss along migration routes, especially the drainage of wetlands in the Great Plains
- Collisions with power lines near wetland stopover sites
- Shooting along migration corridors in some areas
- Severe weather events like winter storms
- Limited food resources at some stopover locations
Conservation Efforts
Various conservation initiatives help protect and manage sandhill cranes during migration, such as:
- Habitat restoration programs in the Platte River Valley and other key wetlands
- Marking power lines to reduce collisions
- Restricting crane hunting seasons and limits
- Monitoring and marking populations to track migrations
- Education programs to build public appreciation of cranes
Key Facts About Sandhill Crane Migration
- Make round-trip migrations of 2,000-5,000 miles annually between northern breeding and southern wintering grounds
- Peak spring migration occurs March-April; fall migration peaks October-November
- Platte River Valley, Nebraska is a primary spring staging area
- Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Area, Indiana is major fall staging site
- Migration allows use of important breeding and wintering habitats
- FACE threats like habitat loss, collisions, bad weather during migration
- Conservation efforts aim to protect key sites and corridors
Conclusion
In conclusion, sandhill cranes are astonishing long-distance migrants that make epic journeys between northern nesting areas and southern wintering grounds each year. Their migrations peak in spring and fall and rely on critical stopover sites to rest and refuel. These majestic birds face threats during migration, prompting conservation programs to protect key habitats and corridors. With coordinated efforts, the spectacular migrations of sandhill cranes can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.