Dancing is a delightful and entertaining part of a Sandhill Crane courtship ritual. The male will dance to demonstrate to his partner how powerful and protective he is. Here he snaps and kicks at a plant, displaying his ability to defend a nest and any young ones. He also spins and leaps, showcasing his athletic ability. The female seemed more interested in looking for food, but maybe she was watching out of the corner of her eye. | Jocelyn Anderson Photography

Whooping cranes are graceful, expressive and curious creatures. With the help of conservation science, these endangered treasures of North America are flying back from the brink of extinction. Get acquainted with these big, beautiful birds in this Q A with Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute keeper Chris Crowe. STORY: https://s.si.edu/3uSRjda. | Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute