VIDEO: Giant ‘dancing’ birds appearing in Ohio

Danielle Langenfeld
·1 min read

(WJW) – Giant ‘dancing’ birds are appearing more and more in Ohio.

Last year, wildlife experts reported sightings of the sandhill crane, once completely gone from Ohio, were on the rise.

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Now, the prehistoric bird species are entering their mating season and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reports an integral part of their courtship is a “tendency to dance.”

One FOX 8 viewer from Amherst caught the ‘dance of the sandhill’ crane on video over the summer. In the video, the birds that stand almost three feet tall can be seen on a grassy lawn with one squawking, leaping, and flapping its wings.

The giant bird’s wingspan typically ranges between 6 to 7 feet, according to wildlife officials.

Breeding activity usually takes place in April and May. But, it’s not just during the mating season you may spot a sandhill crane doing its dance. According to experts, the bird can be seen dancing any time of the year but they’re not really sure why.

“The dance of the sandhill crane includes many quick steps around each other, wings half spread with an occasional leap into the air up to eight feet off the ground. Part of this ceremony includes bowing toward one another,” explains ODNR on their website.

According to the ODNR, the sandhill crane is considered an endangered species in Ohio and over the past few years, volunteers have set out to help wildlife officials track its status.

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Last year, more than 350 sightings were reported with the majority spotted in these six counties:

  • Wayne: 96

  • Lucas: 77

  • Geauga: 63

  • Ottawa: 18

  • Logan: 15

  • Williams: 15

You are most likely to spot a sandhill crane in wetland areas. Learn more about the migratory bird, here.

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