For millions of years the majestic and ancient cranes have played their part in nature's intricate web. Cranes trumpeted over primeval wetlands long before any human set foot on the land. To preserve this valuable part of our natural heritage for future generations, we must save the habitats essential to the cranes' survival. At first glance cranes may look similar to herons and egrets, but they are actually related to coots, rails and gallinules. Unlike herons and egrets, cranes extend their necks in flight.
Juveniles have rusty wings and neck but lack the red crown until their seventh month.
Males and females look alike. A five inch long bill gives the sandhill crane a formidable tool for foraging. Cranes smear mud on their feathers to repel parasites. This may also camouflage them from predators. Three of the seven subspecies of sandhill cranes winter in the Central Valley of California.