The Sandhill Crane is the oldest living bird species, with fossils dating back 2.5 million years that are virtually identical to living birds. Its loud, bugling rattles carry for miles and the spring staging of half a million birds along Nebraska's Platte River is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America. Pairs perform elegant, leaping courtship dances year-round that strengthen their lifelong pair bond.
Best time to see a Sandhill Crane
The best time to see a Sandhill Crane is January–July, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 65,570 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Sandhill Crane? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Sandhill Crane sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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