Quick Answer
The tall bird commonly seen walking around Central Florida is likely the sandhill crane. Sandhill cranes are large gray birds that can stand over 4 feet tall and have a wingspan of 5-6 feet. They are found throughout Florida and are known for their loud, rattling calls. Sandhill cranes are omnivorous, feeding on insects, seeds, berries, small vertebrates, and more. They build nests of plant material on the ground near wetlands and lay 1-3 eggs per clutch. Sandhill cranes mate for life.
Identifying Features of Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill cranes have several identifying features that make them distinguishable from other tall birds in Central Florida:
– Size: Sandhill cranes stand 3-4 feet tall with a wingspan of 5-6 feet, making them one of the tallest birds in Florida.
– Plumage: Their feathers are grey overall, with some reddish coloring on the forehead, crown, and nape. Their cheeks are white.
– Long dark bill: Sandhill cranes have a long, dark, pointed bill used for catching prey.
– Long neck and legs: They have a long neck that they often hold straight up. Their legs are also very long for wading through marshes.
– Distinctive call: Sandhill cranes have a loud, rattling call that carries over long distances. It is often described as a rolling bugle or kettle drum sound.
Sandhill Crane Habitat
Sandhill cranes are found throughout the state of Florida, but are most common in open freshwater marshes and wet prairie habitats. Specifically, some key places sandhill cranes inhabit in Central Florida include:
– Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville
– Myakka River State Park near Sarasota
– Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park south of Lake Okeechobee
– Blue Cypress Lake near Indian River
– Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve near Polk City
– Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge near Cape Canaveral
Sandhill cranes prefer shallow wetlands with good visibility and a variety of native grasses, sedges, and herbaceous plants. These wetland plants provide food, nesting material, and cover for chicks. During the non-breeding season, sandhill cranes may also forage in drier grasslands, pastures, and agricultural fields.
Sandhill Crane Diet
Sandhill cranes are omnivorous birds, feeding on a diverse diet of both plant and animal matter. Their diet includes:
– Insects: Beetles, dragonflies, grasshoppers, worms, snails, and more.
– Reptiles and amphibians: Snakes, lizards, frogs.
– Fish and crustaceans
– Seeds and grains: Grasses, sedges, corn, wheat, oats, etc.
– Berries: Cranberries, blueberries, huckleberries, saw palmetto berries.
– Roots, tubers, and cultivated crops: Potatoes, peanuts, etc.
– Small mammals: Mice, voles, shrews.
– Eggs and nestlings of other birds
Sandhill cranes use their long bills to probe the ground and pick up food items. They also dig with their feet to uncover food beneath the soil. Their diet varies based on season and food availability.
| Months | Example Foods |
|---|---|
| January-February | Wheat, oats, rye, berries |
| March-May | Insects, reptiles, nestlings, amphibians |
| June-August | Insects, small mammals, seeds |
| September-December | Seeds, waste corn, tubers, acorns |
Sandhill Crane Breeding and Nesting
Sandhill cranes breed in early spring, typically February to April in Florida. They engage in elaborate dancing displays to establish pair bonds and defend territories. Once paired, the male and female build a nest together from wetland vegetation on the ground.
The nest is a mound of dead grass, sticks, moss, and other vegetation, usually 6-8 inches high and 2-3 feet wide. It may be located in shallow water or on dry land. Sandhill cranes typically lay 1-3 eggs that are incubated for 28-32 days by both parents. The chicks, called colts, hatch covered in down and able to leave the nest within a day. The grey-colored chicks remain with their parents for 8-10 months, forming close family units. Sandhill cranes typically do not begin breeding until 2-5 years old.
Sandhill Crane Nesting Facts:
- Clutch size: 1-3 eggs
- Incubation period: 28-32 days
- Fledging period: 2-3 months
- Age of maturity: 2-5 years
- Nest materials: grasses, twigs, moss
Threats and Status
Sandhill crane populations declined in the early 20th century due to hunting and habitat loss. However, their populations have rebounded due to conservation efforts. Their global population is estimated at over 600,000 individuals. Sandhill cranes are classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Some ongoing threats include:
– Habitat degradation – Draining and development of wetlands reduces nesting habitat.
– Collisions – Sandhill cranes are vulnerable to collisions with power lines, vehicles, and buildings.
– Human disturbance – Nesting cranes are sensitive to human presence. Disturbance can cause nest abandonment.
– Predators – Raccoons, foxes, bobcats, alligators, and other predators may raid crane nests.
Sandhill crane populations are managed through habitat protection, hunting regulations, power line modifications, and more. Continued conservation efforts are needed to protect wetland ecosystems and monitor crane populations.
Interesting Facts About Sandhill Cranes
- Sandhill cranes are one of the longest living birds in the world, sometimes reaching over 20 years of age.
- These cranes use mud or droppings to preen and condition their feathers.
- They migrate in large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands of birds.
- Sandhill cranes engage in dancing displays, both during courtship and aggression shows.
- The cranes produce very loud, rolling calls that carry for miles. Each crane has a unique voice.
- Legend says sandhill cranes carry the souls of those who cannot complete their missions, giving the birds spiritual significance.
- Sandhill crane feathers were used by Native Americans for decoration and in ceremonial robes.
Conclusion
The tall grey birds commonly seen striding across Central Florida wetlands and grasslands are sandhill cranes. These large birds stand over 4 feet tall and have wingspans up to 6 feet. They live in shallow freshwater marshes and wet prairies across the state. Sandhill cranes are omnivorous, feeding on plants, grains, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.
They build large nests of wetland vegetation on the ground and lay 1-3 eggs each year. Sandhill crane populations declined historically but have recovered well under conservation protections. However, continued efforts are needed to protect wetland habitats and monitor threats like collisions and human disturbance. Their loud calls and dancing displays make sandhill cranes popular wildlife viewing attractions across Florida.
