The sandhill crane is a large and magnificent bird that is found in wetlands in the central United States. They spend their breeding season in Wisconsin’s wetlands and are a common sight even in urban areas.

At one point Sandhill crane populations had dwindled so low they were near extinction. Aldo Leopold and other Wisconsin environmentalists were instrumental in publicizing their plight.

These birds are best known for their graceful dance-like movements, which they perform during courtship rituals and their very vocal conversations.