Sandhill Crane Courting Dance

During mating, sandhill cranes perform dancing displays. Although the dancing is most common in the breeding season, the cranes can dance all year long. Sometimes the dance involves wing-flapping, bowing, and jumping. They might also throw a stick or some plants into the air.

Sandhill cranes are a fascinating bird species best known for their long migrations and long-term pair bonding. Many sandhill cranes do mate for life, but a few exceptions exist. Plus, not all pairs are truly monogamous.

Pairs of sandhill cranes are considered socially monogamous, which means that mated birds will form long-term bonds and share the responsibility of caring for their young. Mating and egg fertilization outside of the bonded pair does occasionally occur.

Most pair formations last until the loss of a mate. However, divorce does occur in pairs that lose a nest or are not able to reproduce. Reproduction appears to strengthen pair bonds, which makes sense evolutionarily. A crane would prefer to remain with a mate that will produce strong, successful colts.
Sandhill Crane's likely mate for life to ensure the success of their offspring. Crane colts are running around and following their parents off to forage mere hours after hatching. They also remain with their parents for 9 to 10 months, joining them in the fall migration.

Both parents sticking together offers their young a greater safety net. Newly hatched colts are vulnerable running about outside of the nest.

Additionally, because they remain in a family unit for so long, it is far easier for both parents to share the responsibility of caring for and protecting their young.

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