Seasonal variation of fecal corticosterone concentrations in Wisconsin sandhill cranes

Accompanying data for a fecal corticosterone study in sandhill cranes performed at the International Crane Foundation. In this study, fecal corticosterone concentration was examined in a wild population of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) roosting at a site along the Wisconsin River between their arrival to departure from the region. We investigated the association of seasonality and environmental stimuli including temperature, humidity, photoperiod, and Wisconsin River discharge on corticosterone over time. Fecal corticosterone concentrations in this population peaked during spring migration, with smaller increases also seen in summer and in fall migration. Environmental factors were found to be poor predictors of fecal corticosterone in this study. The results of this study provide preliminary baseline levels of fecal corticosterone in a population of sandhill cranes and demonstrate the presence of seasonal variation in corticosterone concentrations similar to patterns observed in other avian species.