An importamt characteristic of a nest site is the presence of standing water with emergent aquatic vegetation. Cranes will, however, nest on dry land. Nests are constructed with the surrounding vegetation, and if an egg cup is present, it is lined with stem and twigs. Clutch sizes range from one to three eggs. The eggs are long and oval in shape and dull brown spotted with reddish brown markings.
Incubation begins with the laying of the first egg and continues until the second egg has hatched.
Families say together for about nine to ten months. Sandhill cranes are noted for their elaborate courtship dancing. The species is partially migratory, with northern populations moving south during the winter months, while southern populations remain near the breeding sites year round. Habitat Sandhill cranes prefer open grasslands and isolated freshwater marshes that are surrounded by shrubs and forests. They also can be found in expansive grasslands, wet marshy hay meadows or burned-over aspen stands in grass succession with several small pools of shallow water or streams.