BirdNote Daily The Mississippi Sandhill Crane Makes a Comeback
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Nov 1, 2025 Discover the fascinating world of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane, a unique bird that defies migration by residing year-round in wet pine savannas. Once dwindling to just 35 individuals due to habitat loss, this remarkable subspecies has shown an inspiring recovery. Thanks to conservation efforts and the establishment of a wildlife refuge, their population has climbed to over 150. Tune in to learn about their striking calls and the ongoing fight to protect their fragile ecosystem.
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Cranes Announce The Morning In Savanna
- Georges Farling describes hearing cranes arrive with wing slaps and prehistoric calls across the wet pine savannas.
- He notes the birds stay close to these Gulf Coast habitats and don't venture far from them.
A Nonmigratory Crane Dependent On Savanna
- The Mississippi sandhill crane is unique because it lives year-round instead of migrating like most sandhill cranes.
- Its survival depends on a rare wet pine savanna habitat that once dwindled drastically.
Habitat Protection Fueled A Population Recovery
- Habitat loss drove the population down to about 35 birds by 1973 concentrated in one small area.
- Protection and refuge creation have enabled the population to grow to over 150 today.