Sandhill Crane

birds · migration · wetlands · great plains

Lives by water. Sandhill cranes love hanging out near rivers, marshes, and wetlands across North America and northeastern Siberia. They're named after the Sandhills region near Nebraska's Platte River, where they feel right at home.

Epic journey. Up to 450,000 sandhill cranes fly through Nebraska's central Platte River Valley every year as they migrate. This area is so important for the birds that it's their biggest rest stop on their long journey.

Impressively tall. Sandhill cranes are big birds with long legs and long necks that help them wade through water and see predators from far away. Their height makes them easy to spot in open wetland areas.

Distinctive red face. Adult sandhill cranes have a bright red patch on their forehead that makes them instantly recognizable. This bold coloring is one of nature's coolest bird features.