General Detailed Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1975 to provide protection for the endangered Mississippi sandhill crane and to preserve and manage the unique plant communities which comprise the crane's critical habitat. The refuge which is in three separate land units of more than 19,000 acres consists of open pine savanna, planted pine plantations, meadering creeks, and food plots.
Savanna soils are acidic and poorly drained and yet they produce an amazing variety of plants.
However, the species diversity of birds is low. Spring and fall migrations through the refuge account for many of the listed sightings. This checklist includes species of birds and is based on observations by refuge personnel, ornithologists,and members of the Mississippi Coast Audubon Society. Observations of birds at the West Jackson County Land Treatment Facility, which includes some refuge property, are not included on this checklist. If you should find an unlisted species, please let us know at the refuge office.