The return of the Sandhill Crane

Each spring the calls of the Sandhill Crane return to Michigan. Their loud, rolling bugle often carries for miles across marshes and wetlands, making them one of the most recognizable signs that migration season has begun.

Sandhill cranes are among the oldest bird species still living today. Fossils from crane relatives date back millions of years, which is why their appearance and calls often feel prehistoric. Standing nearly four feet tall with wingspans reaching six feet, they are the tallest birds commonly found in Michigan.

Wetlands play a critical role in the life of sandhill cranes. Marshes, wet meadows, and shallow lakes provide food, nesting habitat, and protection from predators. Cranes typically build their nests on small mounds of vegetation surrounded by shallow water. These wetlands supply insects, seeds, roots, and small animals that cranes forage for with their long bills.

Cranes are also known for their strong pair bonds. Most sandhill cranes mate for life and return to the same nesting areas year after year. Each spring they perform elaborate courtship dances that include jumping, bowing, wing flapping, and tossing sticks into the air. Mated pairs also perform synchronized “unison calls,” producing the distinctive bugling sound that echoes across wetlands.

Unlike many birds, sandhill cranes reproduce slowly. Pairs usually lay only two eggs, and often only one chick survives. Because of this, stable habitat is essential for maintaining healthy populations. The protection of wetlands across Michigan has helped sandhill cranes recover after earlier declines caused by habitat loss.

Today the return of sandhill cranes is more than just a seasonal migration. Their presence reflects the health of Michigan’s wetlands and highlights the importance of protecting these ecosystems. Each spring their calls remind us that these marshes continue to support wildlife whose lineage stretches back millions of years.

To learn where and when to see them, check out this page https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/wildlife-viewing/cranes