Habitat Use by Mid-Continent Sandhill Cranes during Spring Migration

Abstract

Harvested grain fields (corn, wheat, and barley) were the principal habitat types used by sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) during spring migration in Nebraska, Saskatchewan, and Alaska, respectively. Wetlands, temporary and semipermanent, were used at each study location as roosting and loafing sites. Grain stubble fields and wetlands use exceeded (P < 0.05) relative availability at each study location. Availability of waste grain in corn, wheat, and barley stubble, under current land use practices, appears adequate for energy needs of spring migrant cranes. Habitat juxtaposition involving roosting, feeding, and other activities is important on spring staging areas. Optimum habitat in the North Platte River Valley included a river roost site, an interspersion of 35-70% corn stubble, 5-40% pasture, -13% alfalfa, and -1 shallow wetland located within 4 km of the roost site. Habitats currently threatened are river roost sites and wetlands adjacent to the North Platte River in Nebraska.