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Citation:
Ivey, G. L., and C. W. August. 2025. Evidence of polygyny in a greater sandhill crane. Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop 16:224-225.
Abstract:
Polygyny in crane species has not been previously reported, and they have been considered to be monogamous. Here we provide evidence of polygyny in sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis). During a study of sandhill crane breeding ecology in Ruby Valley, located in Elko, White Pine, and Lincoln counties, Nevada in July 2009, we visited a 3-egg sandhill crane nest. We observed that 1 of the eggs was a slightly different shade of brown than the other 2. The incubating crane stood from the nest as we approached and began a distraction display. We then observed 2 additional adult cranes in the wetland and all 3 were exhibiting distraction displays. Assuming the different colored eggs were laid by different females, it appears that the male in that crane territory had 2 female mates.
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