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Systematics
DNA-DNA hybridization comparisons suggest this is an old species without close relatives, one that should be split into a distinct species group (Krajewski 1989). Within the gruine clade, G. canadensis appears most closely allied to the Australasian group (G. antigone, rubicunda, and vipio), not G. grus as previously assumed.
Geographic Variation
See Measurements.
Subspecies
The American Ornithologists’ Union (1957) recognized 3 subspecies of Sandhill Cranes: G. c. canadensis (Lesser Sandhill Crane), G. c. pratensis (Florida Sandhill Crane), and G. c. tabida (Greater Sandhill Crane); more recent literature (e.g., Walkinshaw 1973, Lewis 1977), however, recognizes 6 subspecies: the above plus G. c. nesiotes (Cuban Sandhill Crane), G. c. pulla (Mississippi Sandhill Crane), and G. c. rowani (Canadian Sandhill Crane). Tacha et al. (1985b) questioned the propriety of separating medium-size rowani from smaller canadensis and larger tabida, demonstrating a continuum in morphology and random pairing among the supposed subspecies and identifying several rowani in Alaska (well outside rowani range) during the breeding season.
Wintering Populations
Certain morphological subspecies winter together, e.g., G. c. canadensis and G. c. tabida in the Central Valley of California. Wildlife biologists refer to this and other wintering crane populations by their regions of greatest concentration. Such designations are elaborated in the next two sections (Migration, Habitat) and used throughout this account.
Tacha, T. C., S. A. Nesbitt and P. A. Vohs. 1992. Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis), The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America Online: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/031
