When Do Sandhill Cranes Migrate?
Why do sandhill cranes migrate?
How far do sandhill cranes migrate?
Do sandhill cranes migrate in flocks?
Do all sandhill cranes migrate?
Do sandhill cranes migrate at night?
What do sandhill cranes do in winter?
Sandhill Migration FAQ
Have you ever seen sandhill cranes (Antigone, Canada) migrant? It is a surreal experience to watch these magnificent birds congregate in flocks at various staging areas along their migration route.
Many sandhill cranes migrate exceptionally long distances. Every spring and autumn, those birds that nest in Siberia cross the Bering Strait. Others migrate from Canada, Alaska, and the northern continental United States. The only sandhill crane populations that don’t migrate are those that nest in Florida, Mississippi, and Cuba.
Migratory cranes are divided into three distinct subgroups – the small, large and Canadian sandhill cranes. All three subspecies have major migratory corridors and stopovers where large groups of individuals gather each season. Let’s take a closer look at the migration habits of sandhill cranes!
A large flock of Sandhill Cranes in migration
When Do Sandhill Cranes Migrate?
Migratory sandhill cranes — those that nest in the northern regions — have a fall and spring migration period. The months in which birds begin their seasonal travels depend on which region they come from. Typically, the dunes migrate south between September and November. Then return north between February and April.
These sandhill cranes are divided into six distinct populations based on nesting and wintering locations. We will take a closer look at these groups of individuals to gain a more detailed understanding of when each population migrates.
central valley
The Central Valley population consists of dunes inhabiting the Pacific Northwest (British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California).
This group travels south to wintering grounds in southern California between September and mid-October. They start returning north in February or March.
Closeup of a Sandhill Crane
pacific flight
The nesting and wintering ranges of Pacific Flyaway populations are similar to those of the Central Valley dunes. However, it includes birds that breed farther north to southern Alaska — birds that migrate slightly earlier in the fall because of the longer winter.
Cranes will begin leaving Alaska in late August for their wintering grounds in the Central Valley. Departures from the region usually start in February.
the Rocky Mountains
Sandhill cranes that nest in western Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah are known as Rocky Mountain populations.
These birds typically begin their fall migration to New Mexico, Arizona, and central Mexico between August and October. They then return north between February and March.
Sandhill cranes flying in the mountains of New Mexico
lower colorado valley
Autumn and spring migration patterns in the lower Colorado River basin (Nevada and southwestern Idaho) were similar to those of the Rocky Mountain population. These sandhill cranes usually leave their nesting grounds around September and return in March.
fly east
Sandhill cranes in the eastern United States – known as the Eastern Flyer population – can start migrating as early as September – a period that can last until January if the winter is mild. These crane populations will leave their wintering grounds in Florida and return north between February and early April.
Central part of the continent
Central continental populations make up the largest dune clusters and include birds that nest in Siberia, Alaska, Canada, and northwestern Minnesota.
The fall migration of this population can begin as early as August, depending on how far north the birds nest. Cranes in this region rarely wait until after October to start their long trips. These groups will begin returning north between February and March, leaving their wintering grounds in Kansas, the Texas Gulf Coast and northern Mexico.
Great Sandhill Cranes – winter migration through the San Luis Valley, Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Colorado
Why do sandhill cranes migrate?
Sandhill cranes migrate to escape harsh winters in their native breeding grounds in Siberia, Alaska, Canada and the northern continental United States.
The species is not equipped to overwinter in these areas. Instead, they migrate long distances to wintering grounds in Southern California, Texas, Florida, and Mexico.
How far do sandhill cranes migrate?
How far sandhill cranes migrate depends on where they fly from. In a single day, birds can fly nearly 300 miles. But it’s been known to drive 500 miles in a day with a tailwind. In total, some dunes travel more than 5,000 miles from summer nesting habitat to wintering grounds.
A sandhill crane with a one-year-old chick
Do sandhill cranes migrate in flocks?
Sandhill cranes typically migrate in smaller family groups. However, they will congregate at transit points along migratory corridors in extremely large numbers, numbering in the tens of thousands. Cranes use these key staging areas to rest, hunt and socialize before continuing their long journey south.
Do all sandhill cranes migrate?
Not all sandhill cranes migrate. Those that nest in Florida, Mississippi, and Cuba are year-round residents—they don’t have to worry about escaping harsh winters. However, three subpopulations are migratory – the small, large and Canadian sandhill cranes.
These three subspecies nest in Siberia, Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States. With no wintering gear in these areas, the birds migrate south each fall to wintering grounds in Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California and Mexico.
A pair of sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis), foraging
Do sandhill cranes migrate at night?
Sandhill cranes typically only migrate during the day when the wind is down. However, if the birds are only 100 miles or so from their destination, they sometimes continue flying into the night.
What do sandhill cranes do in winter?
After sandhill cranes undergo lengthy migrations, the birds congregate to grassland and marsh habitats in areas such as Texas, Florida, California and Mexico. Here they hunt and socialize throughout the winter before beginning their spring migration back to their summer nesting grounds.
Two Sandhill Cranes in Wisconsin
Sandhill Migration FAQ
When did sandhill cranes migrate south from Michigan?
Sandhill cranes typically begin their southward migration from Michigan in October. Although, some birds may stay until November.
When did sandhill cranes migrate south from Wisconsin?
Sandhill cranes will start migrating south from Wisconsin in September and peak in October. They return to their nesting sites around March.
When Do Sandhill Cranes Migrate Through Nebraska?
Spring migrations of sandhill cranes through Nebraska are much more reliable than fall migrations. Cranes pass through Nebraska each year from mid-February to mid-April, with millions of cranes congregating at key stopovers along the Platte River.
Do sandhill cranes migrate in Arkansas?
The easternmost sandhill crane migration corridor barely touches the northeast corner of Arkansas. It’s not impossible to see these birds migrating in Arkansas. However, the state is not part of the main immigration pathway.
Do sandhill cranes migrate across oceans?
Every spring and fall, Siberian-nesting sandhill cranes migrate from Russia to Alaska across the Bering Strait.
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I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
