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Common Name: Sandhill crane Scientific Name: Grus canadensis Location: Photographer: Wyman Meinzer

Sandhill cranes are among the tallest birds in North America, standing up to 4 feet tall. They have a 6-7 foot wingspread and fly with necks and legs extended.

Sandhill cranes are gray with a red patch on the crown of the head. They have black bills, legs, and feet.

There are six races or subspecies of sandhill crane found in North America. They differ primarily in size and intensity of color.
The three subspecies that are non-migratory also have the smallest populations.
Two, the Mississipi sandhill and the Cuban sandhill, are in danger of extinction.
The three migratory subspecies (greater, lesser, and Canadian) nest in Canada, Alaska, Siberia, and the northern U.S. west of Lake Huron and winter in Florida, Texas, California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Arizona.

Great blue herons are often mistakenly called cranes because of the similarity of size and color.

Note!
HickoryOaks also has Great Blue Herons in residence.