The main difference can be seen in structure and behavior. A heron (family Ardeidae, genus Ardea) has a colied neck and straight, dagger-like bills used to capture their prey quickly in one swoop. Other members of this famliy include egrets and bitterns. The most widespread and frequently seen heron is the Great Blue Heron. They usually migrate in small flocks but are most commonly seen singly at a stream or pond edge or fields and meadows foraging for food. They tend to eat fish or small mammals. At a length of 46 inches, it is also the largest of the heron family. The crane (family Rallidae, genus Grus) is close in size to the heron. They are large and tend to fly and search for food in flocks. The most famous of cranes, the whooping crane, is actually rather rare with only about 200 existing in the wild. Living in small family groups year round, they nest in freshwater marshes near tree lines and winter in saltmarshes. This is one of the tallest birds in the US with a height of 52 + inches. A more common crane is the sandhill crane. Grey in color with a red patch around their eyes, it is slightly smaller than the whooping crane. The sandhill crane can be mistaken for the great blue heron. Cranes perform a large, elaborate dance during courtship that is not done by any other species. The crane's body differ in that the bill is shorter nad their neck is minus the spring like crook. Walking slowly in a rolling stroll and their neck held out straight, the crane is very different in comparison to the reserved heron.

Cranes fly with their neck straight out. Herons and Egrets fly with their neck tucked back, an s tucked back to the body. It is the easiest way to tell the difference.