Oldest bird in the world

Fossils over six million years old were found in Nebraska, making the sandhill crane the oldest living species of bird in the world. This bizarre bird once shared North America with several ancient wonders such as the giant mammoth and saber-toothed tiger. Few individuals would know that Mississippi is the only home to a unique subspecies of the oldest living bird on earth. Awareness of this national treasure might influence further preservation of its habitat, which also includes many rare orchids and endangered carnivorous plants.

Mississippi sandhill crane

The Mississippi sandhill crane (grus canadensis pulla) was recognized as a separate subspecies in 1972 and in 1973 was placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Many wonder why these mysterious birds remain isolated from others. Their refusal to leave their diminishing home has frustrated many conservationalists for years. The Mississippi sandhill crane is darker gray and midsize, when compared to the other five subspecies of sandhills. Migration is very exhausting for these birds and is not instinctive, so routes must be taught by their parents. Mississippi sandhill crane juveniles don't wander much; they refuse to leave a small area.

Several physiological, morphological and behavioral differences prove that this species is genetically unique from other sandhill cranes. Studies indicate a reasonable level of genetic diversity and show that the Mississippi sandhill crane possesses one gene that is unique to sandhills and another that is different from even the Florida sandhills, their closest relative of the six living species. Mississippi cranes mature earlier and begin producing eggs later than Florida sandhill cranes. And as with other small populations, the Mississippi sandhill cranes seem to have genetic weaknesses. The biggest problem resulting from this small gene pool is heart murmurs.

All genetic differences are still unknown, but experts do know that they are very similar to other sandhill cranes. Why are they so similar but still remain geographically isolated? How many more variations of the species are out there that we don't know about? If they become extinct, how will we know?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service started captive breeding of Mississippi sandhills at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) in 1965 to protect the species during habitat restoration and to up the numbers for reintroduction into the environment. Hopefully, these and other conservation efforts will allow biologists to someday answer these questions.