Cranes are found in Ohio, offering bird enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness one of North America’s largest birds. The species most commonly sighted is the Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis), an impressive bird with a long history in the region. Their presence is seasonal for most, although a small resident population has become established in recent decades. Knowing how and when to look for them can increase the chances of an observation.
Identifying the Sandhill Crane
The Sandhill Crane stands between three and four feet tall with a wingspan up to seven feet across. Its body plumage is generally a muted gray, but during the breeding season, birds often stain their feathers a rusty-brown color by preening with iron-rich mud. The distinguishing feature on an adult is the bright, featherless red patch of skin covering the forehead and crown.
These large wading birds possess a long neck and bill, and they are frequently confused with the Great Blue Heron due to their similar size and marsh habitat. A difference is visible when they fly; Sandhill Cranes soar with their necks fully extended, while herons curl their necks into an “S” shape. Their presence is often announced by a loud, rattling, trumpeting call, produced by their unusually long windpipe that coils within the breastbone. While extremely rare, the Whooping Crane may occasionally pass through Ohio, but the Sandhill is the primary species to observe.
Seasonal Presence and Primary Habitats
The best time to see Sandhill Cranes is during their spring and fall migratory periods, when large flocks move through the state. Migratory cranes begin arriving in March, with peak activity for breeding and nesting occurring throughout April and May. They begin their southward migration to wintering grounds, such as Florida, starting in late November.
While the majority of sightings are of migratory individuals, a small resident population remains in Ohio year-round, primarily in the northern and central regions. These cranes favor large, undisturbed wetland areas, including shallow marshes, wet meadows, and bogs, which they require for nesting. Specific preserves like the Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area and Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area are known to host the largest concentrations of breeding pairs. Cranes also forage in adjacent agricultural fields, utilizing crop stubble and planted fields for food.
History and Protection Status in Ohio
Sandhill Cranes were extirpated from Ohio by the mid-1920s, vanishing as a breeding species due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting. Following decades of conservation efforts and wetland restoration, the species made a return, with the first confirmed breeding pair observed in Wayne County in 1987. The population has since increased, with annual surveys showing a gradual rise in the number of observed cranes.
Despite this recovery, the Sandhill Crane is still formally listed as a threatened species in Ohio. This designation reflects the ongoing conservation need, as the local population remains small compared to historical numbers. They face challenges such as nesting failure due to frequent nest flooding.