2 Types of Cranes in Illinois
Yes, there are two primary types of cranes that can be found in Illinois: the common sandhill crane and the extremely rare whooping crane. While sandhill cranes are widespread and frequently seen during migration, whooping cranes are part of an intensive re-introduction program and are only spotted in very specific locations. Both species rely on the state's extensive wetland systems, from the Illinois River valley to the coastal marshes along Lake Michigan, for food and resting sites.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
2 types of cranes recorded in Illinois
2 crane species have a verified observation record in Illinois, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
More on cranes in Illinois:
Yes, there are two primary types of cranes that can be found in Illinois: the common sandhill crane and the extremely rare whooping crane. While sandhill cranes are widespread and frequently seen during migration, whooping cranes are part of an intensive re-introduction program and are only spotted in very specific locations. Both species rely on the state's extensive wetland systems, from the Illinois River valley to the coastal marshes along Lake Michigan, for food and resting sites.
What is the sandhill crane in Illinois?
The sandhill crane is the most common crane type in Illinois. They are large, gray birds with a distinctive red patch on their forehead. Thousands of these birds migrate through the state each year, stopping in areas like the Illinois River wetlands and the Great Lakes shoreline. A growing number of sandhill cranes also stay to breed in the northern part of the state.
What is the whooping crane in Illinois?
The whooping crane is one of the rarest birds in North America and is a highlight for any bird watcher in Illinois. They are much larger than sandhill cranes and are pure white with black wingtips and a red crown. A small number of whooping cranes pass through Illinois as part of a migratory flock that is being restored to the eastern United States.
How do the two crane types differ?
The most obvious difference is color: sandhill cranes are gray, while whooping cranes are white. Whooping cranes are also taller, standing nearly 5 feet tall, making them the tallest birds in North America. Their calls are also distinct, with whooping cranes having a much louder and more piercing bugle compared to the rattling call of the sandhill crane.
Where can you see both types in Illinois?
The best place to see both types of cranes is in the vast wetland complexes of central and northern Illinois. Areas like the Cache River wetlands and the marshes near Starved Rock are frequent stopover points. While sandhills are easy to find, spotting a whooping crane requires a bit of luck and careful observation near established migratory routes.
Are there other large birds mistaken for cranes?
Yes, the Great Blue Heron is frequently mistaken for a sandhill crane due to its large size and gray color. However, herons are more solitary and fly with their necks tucked, whereas cranes are very social and fly with their necks outstretched. In the Shawnee National Forest, you might also see egrets, which are white like whooping cranes but much smaller and lack the black wingtips.
How many cranes migrate through Illinois?
During the peak of migration in the spring and fall, tens of thousands of sandhill cranes pass through Illinois. The numbers vary each year based on weather patterns, but the state remains a critical corridor for the eastern population. In contrast, the number of whooping cranes is very small, often fewer than 100 individuals in the entire migratory flock.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sandhill crane in Illinois?+
The sandhill crane is the most common crane type in Illinois. They are large, gray birds with a distinctive red patch on their forehead. Thousands of these birds migrate through the state each year, stopping in areas like the Illinois River wetlands and the Great Lakes shoreline. A growing number of sandhill cranes also stay to breed in the northern part of the state.
What is the whooping crane in Illinois?+
The whooping crane is one of the rarest birds in North America and is a highlight for any bird watcher in Illinois. They are much larger than sandhill cranes and are pure white with black wingtips and a red crown. A small number of whooping cranes pass through Illinois as part of a migratory flock that is being restored to the eastern United States.
How do the two crane types differ?+
The most obvious difference is color: sandhill cranes are gray, while whooping cranes are white. Whooping cranes are also taller, standing nearly 5 feet tall, making them the tallest birds in North America. Their calls are also distinct, with whooping cranes having a much louder and more piercing bugle compared to the rattling call of the sandhill crane.
Where can you see both types in Illinois?+
The best place to see both types of cranes is in the vast wetland complexes of central and northern Illinois. Areas like the Cache River wetlands and the marshes near Starved Rock are frequent stopover points. While sandhills are easy to find, spotting a whooping crane requires a bit of luck and careful observation near established migratory routes.
Are there other large birds mistaken for cranes?+
Yes, the Great Blue Heron is frequently mistaken for a sandhill crane due to its large size and gray color. However, herons are more solitary and fly with their necks tucked, whereas cranes are very social and fly with their necks outstretched. In the Shawnee National Forest, you might also see egrets, which are white like whooping cranes but much smaller and lack the black wingtips.
How many cranes migrate through Illinois?+
During the peak of migration in the spring and fall, tens of thousands of sandhill cranes pass through Illinois. The numbers vary each year based on weather patterns, but the state remains a critical corridor for the eastern population. In contrast, the number of whooping cranes is very small, often fewer than 100 individuals in the entire migratory flock.
Keep exploring
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Common questions about cranes