AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

A Colony of Sandhill Cranes in Mississippi

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1970
Authors:Valentine, Jr., JM, Noble, RE
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:34
Issue:4
Date Published:1970
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Gruidae, Grus, Grus canadensis, Grus grus
Abstract:The small isolated colony of Florida sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) in south-eastern Mississippi was studied during 1963 through the spring of 1970. The important feeding and nesting habitats are boggy savannas and swamps. The total estimated population is between 38 and 40 birds. The egg-laying period was between April 4 and May 20. Thirty nests were found containing an average of 1.7 eggs per completed set. From a total of 51 eggs, 22 were collected for propagation purposes; 29 were left in the nests and 18 successfully hatched. Four nests were abandoned and none was destroyed by predation. The colony is endangered by pine plantations, drainage, an interstate highway, and increasing housing developments. The establishment of state, federal, or private refuges is recommended if the colony is to survive.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3799141
Short Title:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith