Sandhill Cranes are long-legged, long-necked, gray, heron-like birds with a patch of bald, red skin on top of their head. Cranes fly with their necks stretched out like geese, but herons fly with their necks tucked in on their backs. To be 100% sure that it is the Sandhill Crane, look for reddish skin on top of its head.

Sandhill Crane: State Threatened

Sandhill Cranes are threatened and potentially endangered with only 5,000 birds left. Loss of habitat due to wetland drainage or conversion of prairie for development or agricultural use are the primary threats facing the Florida Sandhill Cranes. The range of the Florida Sandhill Crane decreased in the southeastern United States during the 20th century, with breeding populations disappearing from coastal Texas, Alabama, and southern Louisiana due to habitat loss and overhunting. However, Sandhill Cranes are adaptable in North America.

How You Can Help the Sandhill Crane

Don’t feed the animals! Feeding the Sandhill Crane causes the birds to create territories. If you have a glass door or window nearby, the bird will attack their reflection.

If you see a Sandhill Crane in the neighborhood, warn neighbors and ask them to be careful and watch out when they are driving.

When golfing, watch for the cranes, and if you spot some around the area ask the course if they would put up signs for other players to be careful.

Don’t be too friendly! Sandhill Cranes are not afraid of humans and often will come within feet of them. It is important to not get too close to them, not only to protect yourself from a rare attack, but also to protect the bird from becoming too used to human contact.

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