Whooping Crane
Image: Karen Burns Ball (cc0)
NameWhooping Crane
Common NameWhooping Crane
Scientific NameGrus americana
FamilyGruidae
Wingspan (cm)220
Length (cm)145
Weight (g)7000
Plumage DetailsAdults have entirely white plumage except for black primary feathers (visible in flight), a bare red crown and malar patch, and a dark bill. Juveniles are mottled with cinnamon-brown and white.
Vocalization / CallKnown for loud, resonant, bugle-like or trumpeting calls, often described as 'whooping,' which can be heard over long distances.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, prairies, estuaries, agricultural fields
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeBreeds in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, and migrates to coastal Texas for winter. Reintroduced populations exist in Florida and Wisconsin, migrating to other parts of the southeastern US.
Identifying Featurestallest North American bird, pure white body plumage, black primary wing feathers (visible in flight), bare red crown and malar patch, long dark legs, long dark pointed bill, distinctive trumpeting call
Description
The Whooping Crane is North America's tallest bird, characterized by its striking pure white plumage, long black legs, and a distinctive red crown patch. These elegant birds are often seen wading in shallow waters, foraging for food with their long bills.
