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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Sandhill Crane

Grus canadensis ORDER: GRUIFORMES FAMILY: GRUIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Sandhill Crane is a tall gray bird of open grasslands, meadows, and wetlands. It congregates in huge numbers in migration.

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Appearance

Heronlike
Heronlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Very large bird.
  • Long neck.
  • Long Legs.
  • Gray body, may be stained reddish.
  • Red forehead.
  • White cheek.
  • Tufted feathers over rump.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but mottled gray and brown, and without facial markings or bald forehead.

Range Map Help

Sandhill Crane Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adults
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    Sandhill Crane

    Adults
    • © William L. Newton / CLO
  • Juvenile
    Zoom In

    Sandhill Crane

    Juvenile
    • © Marie Read

Similar Species

  • Great Blue Heron, often called a "crane," is smaller, lacks the fluffy rear end and the red forehead, and flies with its neck curled against the body instead of straight out.