Sandhill cranes are large migratory birds that spend their winters in southern states like Tennessee before returning north to breed during the summer months. Understanding sandhill crane migration patterns and how long they stay in Tennessee each year can help bird enthusiasts spot these majestic birds.
Quick Answer: Sandhill Cranes Spend Around 4-5 Months in Tennessee
On average, sandhill cranes arrive in Tennessee in late October or early November. They typically stay in Tennessee throughout the winter months, departing in late February or March as spring approaches. So these cranes are present in Tennessee for around 4-5 months each year during their annual migration.
What is the Sandhill Crane Migration Range?
Sandhill cranes have one of the longest migration routes of any bird in North America. They breed during the summer across northern Canada, Alaska, and even into Siberia. But they migrate thousands of miles south to spend the winter in more temperate southern states.
The main wintering grounds for the Eastern Population of sandhill cranes are in Florida and Georgia. But many cranes also winter along the Tennessee River Valley, attracted by the mix of wetlands, fields, and farmlands that provide ideal habitat.
Key Sandhill Crane Wintering States
- Florida
- Georgia
- Tennessee
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
The Central Population of sandhill cranes winters primarily in Texas and Mexico. And the Pacific Population winters in California, Arizona, and northern Mexico.
When Do Sandhill Cranes Arrive in Tennessee?
Sandhill cranes begin showing up in Tennessee as early as late October, but most arrive in November. Their arrival is dependent on weather conditions farther north. Early winter storms and the freeze-up of nesting grounds in Canada drives the cranes southward to Tennessee and other wintering grounds.
Typically, most sandhill cranes have reached Tennessee by mid-November. Numbers continue building into December as late arriving cranes join the huge winter flocks around the Tennessee River Valley, Hatchie River, and other prime crane habitat.
Sandhill Crane Arrival Timeline in Tennessee
- Late October: Earliest arriving cranes, usually just small numbers
- Early November: Arrivals begin picking up as migration gets underway
- Mid November: Majority of cranes have arrived in Tennessee
- December: Late migrants continue to join winter flocks
When Do Sandhill Cranes Leave Tennessee?
Sandhill cranes start their northbound spring migration from Tennessee beginning in late February. But most cranes depart in March as warmer weather arrives and their northern nesting habitats thaw out.
The huge flocks that congregated during the winter start to dissipate as cranes form pairs and migrate toward breeding grounds. Most cranes have left Tennessee by early April.
Sandhill Crane Departure Timeline from Tennessee
- Late February: Earliest departures of adult pairs heading north
- Early March: Migration picks up momentum as winter flocks break up
- Mid to Late March: Major exodus of most remaining cranes from Tennessee
- Early April: Last stragglers depart for the long trip north
How Many Months Do Sandhill Cranes Spend in Tennessee?
Adding up the average arrival and departure times, sandhill cranes spend around 4-5 months in Tennessee each year during their regular migratory cycle. Here is an overview of how long they stay:
- Arrive in mid to late November
- Stay through winter from December to February
- Depart in March
- Total months in Tennessee: 4-5 months
A few very early arriving cranes in late October might stay for a full 5 months. Most cranes that arrive in November likely stay for 4-4.5 months until mid to late March.
Why Do Cranes Stay So Long in Tennessee?
There are a few key reasons why hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes stay for up to 5 months in Tennessee each winter on their annual migration:
- Abundant habitat and food sources – The mix of wetlands, shallow lakes, grain fields, and oak savannas provide ideal habitat during winter.
- Far enough south – Tennessee provides a temperate wintering ground compared to bitterly cold northern nesting areas.
- Staging ground – Cranes build energy reserves for impending northbound migration.
- Opportunities to pair – Winter flocks allow for courtship before migrating to nesting sites.
The extensive habitat, mild climate, and plentiful food sources make Tennessee an optimal place for sandhill cranes to spend up to 20% of their annual cycle each year.
Key Winter Habitats in Tennessee
Some of the most important sandhill crane wintering hotspots in Tennessee include:
- Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
- Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
- Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
- Cheatham Lake
- Pickwick Lake
Sandhill Crane Winter Population in Tennessee
Tennessee provides vital habitat for a significant portion of the world’s eastern population of sandhill cranes every winter. Population estimates include:
- 50,000 – 80,000 cranes – Tennessee Valley winter population
- 80,000 – 100,000 cranes – Total wintering in Tennessee
- 600,000 cranes – Estimated Eastern flyway population
So during a typical winter, Tennessee hosts 80,000 to over 100,000 sandhill cranes, or around 15% of the entire eastern flyway population.
Daily and Seasonal Habits During Winter in Tennessee
Sandhill cranes follow predictable daily and seasonal habits throughout their long stay in Tennessee each winter:
Winter Daily Habits
- Roosting – Cranes gather in large wetlands and river shallows at night to roost.
- Foraging – Small groups scatter and forage in fields and marshes during the day.
- Loafing – Midday loafs allow for preening, resting, and socializing.
- Evening return – Cranes return to roost sites in late afternoon.
Winter Seasonal Habits
- Arrive in Tennessee in November
- Switch to winter foraging patterns
- Courtship and pair formation through winter
- Build energy reserves for migration
- Return north in February and March
Interesting Sandhill Crane Winter Behaviors
Some fascinating sandhill crane behaviors can be observed during the winter months in Tennessee:
- Dancing – Cranes throw sticks and grass in the air and hop around to attract mates.
- Foraging in fields – Scatter in small groups to dig for waste grains and tubers.
- Roosting in water – Stand in shallow wetlands to safely roost for the night.
- Unison calling – Cranes synchronize their loud calls into a unique chorus.
- Mobbing predators – Cranes aggressively chase predators like eagles or foxes.
Popular Sandhill Crane Viewing Locations in Tennessee
Some excellent spots to watch wintering sandhill cranes in Tennessee include:
| Location | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge | Mass roosting flocks along the river |
| Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge | Foraging cranes in oak savannas and fields |
| Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge | Loafing and staging cranes |
| Cheatham Lake | Huge evening roosts of cranes |
| Cumberland City | Near the Tennessee River State Natural Area |
| Pickwick Landing State Park | Cranes along the Tennessee River |
State wildlife areas, nature preserves, and national wildlife refuges provide great crane viewing access. Guided tours and festivals like the Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival make spotting thousands of cranes each winter easy.
Threats Facing Sandhill Cranes in Tennessee
Habitat loss, climate change, power lines, and hunters threaten sandhill cranes on their Tennessee wintering grounds including:
- Wetland drainage reduces safe roosting sites
- Urbanization destroys foraging habitat
- Extreme weather related to climate change
- Power line collisions during flight
- Some limited hunting pressure in certain states
Conservation measures like safeguarding habitats, managing water resources, and working with power companies can help protect wintering sandhill crane populations in Tennessee.
Conclusion
Hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes make an epic migration south each year to spend the winter in Tennessee. They arrive in November and stay for 4-5 months, finally departing in March. Tennessee provides ideal habitat with abundant food during winter for these migratory birds.
Sandhill cranes follow predictable daily and seasonal habits throughout their long winter stay in Tennessee. Their unique behaviors like dancing, synchronized calling, and massive nightly roosts make them a fascinating species to observe.
Understanding sandhill crane winter ecology and how long they remain in Tennessee each year can help birders spot these impressive birds more easily. Protecting migration habitats will be key to ensuring this ancient migration continues for generations to come.
