In order to explore the spatial distribution pattern of breeding Red-crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis), the distribution pattern of their nests and home ranges were studied in Zhalong Nature Reserve from April to May for four years 2002-04 and 2006. We used fixed-spot observation, no-sample method, GPS locating, the distribution distance index and nearest neighbor analysis. The results indicate that the internal distribution pattern of nests of Red-crowned Cranes shows a clumped distribution: I2002=2.140>2, in 2002; I2003=2.048>2, in 2003; I2004=2.093>2, in 2004; and I2006=3.263>2, in 2006. Under the assumptions that the sizes are equal between home ranges and territories of the cranes, the shape of the home ranges is circular, and the area needed for nesting is the same for all breeding pairs, then the home range area for Red-crowned Cranes in Zhalong Nature Reserve is (0.510±0.019)km2. There are differences among years, respectively (0.542±0.257)km2 in 2002, (0.569±0.067)km2 in 2003, (0.557±0.054)km2 in 2004, and (0.344±0.119)km2 in 2006. The analyses indicate that the breeding cranes in Zhalong Nature Reserve are able to respond and adapt to changes in quality of the spatial pattern of landscape and microhabitat. Long term monitoring and related research are needed in the future for the sake of Red-crowned Crane conservation.