One of a pair of Sandhill Cranes that we saw in Yellowstone. Sandhill Crane facts: The sandhill crane is a large tall bird with long legs and neck but a relatively medium length bill. It's color is typically gray, although in Yellowstone the birds often appear to be reddish brown, a result of red soil (iron oxide) picked up on their beaks and spread on their plumage during preening which helps camouflaging the bird during nesting.