Best time to travel to Mississippi

Sandhill Cranes in Mississippi

Mississippi sandhill cranes are critically endangered

Best time: February 1, 2023

Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill Cranes
Mississippi sandhill cranes
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There are about 700,000 sandhill cranes in North America. However, only slightly more that one hundred of these birds belong to the endangered Mississippi sandhill crane subspecies. These birds can only be seen at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge located in Jackson County.

Sandhill cranes used to be very common along the Gulf coastal plain stretching from southern Louisiana, into Mississippi, Alabama, and western Florida. However, the birds lost their habitat due to agriculture. In the mid-20th century, there were just 30 birds left on earth. Due to the creation of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, it became possible to increase their number. Sandhill cranes are monogamous, meaning they mate for life, and live up to 30 years.

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge has a flat prairie-like landscape which is preferred by cranes. The wet pine savanna ecosystem is home not just to sandhill cranes, but also to songbirds and waterfowl species.

Practical info

When is the best time of year to see Mississippi sandhill cranes?

From November through February, the Mississippi sandhill cranes enter their breeding season, leading to increased activity and visibility. The viewing experience is improved as the winter and early spring months experience relatively dry weather leading to lower water levels. Therefore, this time of the year is the best time to see these cranes. Show more

Where is the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge located?

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, covering 19,000 acres, is located within the Gulf Coast Joint Venture Area in the southeastern United States. More precisely, it sits on Jackson County, Mississippi, about 20 miles northeast of Biloxi, and 25 miles east of Gulfport. The refuge is also contiguous with the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Show more

What led to the decline of sandhill cranes in Mississippi?

Mainly, habitat loss caused by urbanization, logging, and farming was responsible for the decline of sandhill cranes in Mississippi. This loss resulted in the destruction of fresh and saltwater tidal marshes and wet pine savannas essential to the breeding and wintering grounds of sandhill cranes. Consequently, the population of Mississippi sandhill crane declined, and at the mid-twentieth century, only thirty remained on Earth. Show more

Are sandhill cranes unique to Mississippi?

Sandhill cranes are a common sight in North America, stretching from Canada to Mexico. However, the Mississippi Sandhill cranes differ from others in North America as they are a subspecies. These crane subspecies are one of the rarest and most endangered globally and are only found in Mississippi. Show more

How does the wet pine savanna ecosystem benefit other bird species in the area?

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge's wet pine savanna ecosystem not only provides a habitat for Mississippi sandhill crane; other bird species like eastern meadowlarks, northern bobwhite quail, pine warblers, blue-winged teal, wood ducks, and mallards are also found in the area. Additionally, the area's freshwater ponds serve as nesting grounds for several bird species. Show more

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Last updated: by Olga Valchyshen