Cranes prefer short grasses or grazed pastures over tall prairies. They rely on sight to protect themselves from predators and tall grasses deter their vision. There are six subspecies of sandhill cranes of which three are migratory and three are non-migratory. The most numerous is the lesser sandhill crane, which is the smallest subspecies. An adult sandhill crane is between three and four feet tall and weighs 8-12 pounds.
Adults have bright red skin patches on their crowns and are usually grey with brown stains.
Juveniles have brown skin patches and can be dark grey to brown in color. Crane feathers are grey, but birds may stain their feathers by preening after they have been probing the ground for food. Their beaks, wings, and feet are all important tools. The beak of a crane is very sharp and sturdy, useful characteristics when probing frozen soil. The edges are serrated to grasp slippery food like worms and snakes.