Sandhill cranes have long legs for walking through grassy meadows. They can be almost 4 feet tall and their wings can reach up to 7 feet from tip to tip.
Most sandhill cranes nest in Alaska and Northern Canada and migrate south in the winter as far as Mexico. Some sandhill cranes, however, breed in Northern Utah.
The picture below shows a sandhill crane on its nest with a newly hatched "colt". This nest is located on the largest pond on the Swaner Preserve, which now has 7 pairs that nest here each year.
Sandhill crane mothers and fathers take turns caring for their babies.
Cool Fact:
During mating season sandhill cranes have an elaborate mating dance. See the video for a great example.
