A large bird that was once thought to be extinct in Ohio has been spotted more frequently in recent years.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ most recent volunteer count, Sandhill Crane sightings have increased by 4% since 2024.
According to experts, the tall wading bird is a “seasonal resident” that migrates south during the winter. It is known for its “rolling bugle call” and “tendency to dance” during the spring mating season.
One NewsNation affiliate WJW viewer in Amherst captured the ‘dance of the sandhill’ crane on video. The video shows the nearly three-foot-tall birds on a grassy lawn, with one squawking, leaping, and flapping its wings.
However, you may see a sandhill crane performing its dance outside of mating season. According to experts, the bird can be seen dancing at any time of year, but they are unsure why.
“The sandhill crane’s dance consists of many quick steps around each other, wings half spread, and the occasional leap into the air up to eight feet above the ground. Bowing to one another is part of this ceremony, according to the ODNR website.
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Wildlife officials estimate that the giant bird’s wingspan is between 6 and 7 feet.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the sandhill crane is an endangered species in Ohio. Over the last five years, volunteers have worked with wildlife officials to track their status. The results have revealed a steady increase in sightings.
- 2025 428 (31 counties surveyed)
- 2024: 412 (32 counties surveyed)
- 2023: 357 (30 counties surveyed)
- 2022: 311 (26 counties surveyed)
- 2021: 160 (five counties surveyed)
This year, volunteers surveyed 31 counties, discovering cranes in 24 of them. According to the ODNR, the five counties with the most sandhill cranes reported during the 2025 count are:
- Wayne (101)
- Lucas (97)
- Ottawa (59)
- Geauga (51)
- Sandusky (19)
Sandhill cranes are most commonly found in wetlands. Learn more about this migratory bird here.
