They might not be the most commonly spotted bird on the average day in Colorado, but the Greater Sandhill Crane is an icon of the Centennial State thanks to their migration pattern. Known for their wide wingspan, red eye patch, and loud trumpeting call, the Greater Sandhill Crane is hard to miss when it’s around.

According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, the Greater Sandhill Crane stands at four and a half to five feet tall with a wingspan of six to seven feet, making them easy to identify. They have mostly gray plumage and long legs and neck.

The birds can be found throughout the Rocky Mountain region, and as it pertains to Colorado Colorado, primarily in Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Jackson counties. While sightings might occur in other parts of the state, they’re best known for their San Luis Valley migration. Greater Sandhill Cranes flock to numerous wetland habitats in numbers around 20,000, including emergent marshes, seeps and springs, wet meadows, moist soil units, playas, reservoirs, and streams.

When it comes to diet, the cranes consume snails, crayfish, insects, roots, tubers, small vertebrates, and waterfowl eggs. During migration and winter, the birds also eat agricultural crops, like corn, wheat, barley, potatoes, and alfalfa.

The best chance to spot the Greater Sandhill Crane comes between the early weeks of February and mid-March. Head to Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge during this time for a real show.

Greater Sandhill Cranes are a distinct species that contribute to Colorado’s natural diversity.

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