2 Types of Cranes in Indiana
Yes, there are two primary types of cranes that can be found in Indiana: the common sandhill crane and the extremely rare whooping crane. While sandhill cranes are a frequent sight during their massive annual migrations, whooping cranes are part of a specialized recovery effort and are only seen in specific protected areas. Both species rely on Indiana's diverse wetlands, from the Kankakee marsh country in the north to the Muscatatuck refuge in the south, for essential food and rest.
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 Indiana
2 crane species have a verified observation record in Indiana, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
More on cranes in Indiana:
Yes, there are two primary types of cranes that can be found in Indiana: the common sandhill crane and the extremely rare whooping crane. While sandhill cranes are a frequent sight during their massive annual migrations, whooping cranes are part of a specialized recovery effort and are only seen in specific protected areas. Both species rely on Indiana's diverse wetlands, from the Kankakee marsh country in the north to the Muscatatuck refuge in the south, for essential food and rest.
What is the sandhill crane in Indiana?
The sandhill crane is the most numerous crane type in Indiana. They are large, gray birds with a distinctive red forehead and a loud, rattling call. Every year, tens of thousands of sandhill cranes migrate through the state, with the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area serving as one of the most important staging grounds in North America.
What is the whooping crane in Indiana?
The whooping crane is the rarest crane species in North America and a prized sighting in Indiana. They are much taller than sandhill cranes and have pure white plumage with black wingtips. A small number of whooping cranes pass through Indiana as part of a reintroduced flock that migrates between Wisconsin and the southeastern United States.
How do the two crane types differ?
The most obvious difference is their color: sandhill cranes are gray, while whooping cranes are white. Whooping cranes are also taller, standing up to 5 feet, compared to the 4-foot height of the sandhill crane. Their calls are also distinct, with whooping cranes having a louder, more bugle-like sound that carries further across the open marshes.
Where can you see both types in Indiana?
The best place to see both types of cranes is at the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area during the peak of the fall migration. While sandhill cranes will be there by the thousands, you must look carefully for the few white whooping cranes that may be mixed in with the larger flocks. The Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is another great spot for seeing both species.
Are there other large birds mistaken for cranes?
Yes, many people mistake the Great Blue Heron for a sandhill crane. However, herons are more solitary and fly with their necks tucked in, whereas cranes are very social and fly with their necks stretched straight out. You might also see Great Egrets, which are white like whooping cranes but much smaller and lack the black wingtips and red crown.
How many cranes migrate through Indiana?
During the peak of the autumn migration, it is estimated that over 30,000 sandhill cranes can be present at Jasper-Pulaski at one time. This represents a significant portion of the entire eastern population. In contrast, the number of whooping cranes is very small, often with only a dozen or so individuals passing through the state in any given year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sandhill crane in Indiana?+
The sandhill crane is the most numerous crane type in Indiana. They are large, gray birds with a distinctive red forehead and a loud, rattling call. Every year, tens of thousands of sandhill cranes migrate through the state, with the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area serving as one of the most important staging grounds in North America.
What is the whooping crane in Indiana?+
The whooping crane is the rarest crane species in North America and a prized sighting in Indiana. They are much taller than sandhill cranes and have pure white plumage with black wingtips. A small number of whooping cranes pass through Indiana as part of a reintroduced flock that migrates between Wisconsin and the southeastern United States.
How do the two crane types differ?+
The most obvious difference is their color: sandhill cranes are gray, while whooping cranes are white. Whooping cranes are also taller, standing up to 5 feet, compared to the 4-foot height of the sandhill crane. Their calls are also distinct, with whooping cranes having a louder, more bugle-like sound that carries further across the open marshes.
Where can you see both types in Indiana?+
The best place to see both types of cranes is at the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area during the peak of the fall migration. While sandhill cranes will be there by the thousands, you must look carefully for the few white whooping cranes that may be mixed in with the larger flocks. The Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is another great spot for seeing both species.
Are there other large birds mistaken for cranes?+
Yes, many people mistake the Great Blue Heron for a sandhill crane. However, herons are more solitary and fly with their necks tucked in, whereas cranes are very social and fly with their necks stretched straight out. You might also see Great Egrets, which are white like whooping cranes but much smaller and lack the black wingtips and red crown.
How many cranes migrate through Indiana?+
During the peak of the autumn migration, it is estimated that over 30,000 sandhill cranes can be present at Jasper-Pulaski at one time. This represents a significant portion of the entire eastern population. In contrast, the number of whooping cranes is very small, often with only a dozen or so individuals passing through the state in any given year.
Keep exploring
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Common questions about cranes