Crane Species of North America: Identification Guide

Two crane species are native to North America, with a third occasionally recorded as a vagrant:

1. Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)

• Size: 3-5 ft tall, 8-14 lbs, 5-6 ft wingspan
• Appearance: Gray overall, red forehead patch, white cheeks, long dark bill
• Diet: Omnivorous—insects, plants, small vertebrates, grains
• Habitat: Wetlands, grasslands, agricultural fields
• Range: Breeds across northern North America; winters in southern US/Mexico. Massive migrations (e.g., Nebraska's Platte River).

2. Whooping Crane (Grus americana)

• Size: 5-6 ft tall, 15-20 lbs, 7-8 ft wingspan (tallest North American bird)
• Appearance: White with black wingtips, red crown, black facial mask
• Diet: Fish, insects, crustaceans, plants, small animals
• Habitat: Marshes, swamps, shallow lakes, coastal wetlands
• Status: Endangered. Only ~800 total (wild + captive). Conservation efforts include ultralight-led migrations.
• Range: Breeds in Wood Buffalo NP (Canada); winters at Aransas NWR (Texas).

3. Common Crane (Grus grus) – Rare Vagrant

Native to Europe/Asia. Occasional strays appear in North America (mainly Alaska and Atlantic coast). Similar to Sandhill but with distinct plumage details.

Key Distinction

Sandhill Cranes are abundant and widespread. Whooping Cranes are critically endangered with a tiny, managed population. Both are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.