Whooping Crane
Image: gary_leavens (CC BY-SA 2.0)
NameWhooping Crane
Common NameWhooping Crane
Scientific NameGrus americana
FamilyGruidae
Wingspan (cm)215
Length (cm)145
Weight (g)6500
Plumage DetailsAdults have brilliant white plumage over most of their body, with black primary feathers visible during flight. The head features a distinctive bare, reddish-black crown and face patch, and bright yellow eyes. The bill is dark grey.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, resonant, and trumpeting call, often described as a 'whooping' sound. This call is produced by both sexes and can be heard over long distances, especially during territorial displays or communication.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, prairies, agricultural fields, coastal salt marshes
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeHistorically widespread across North America, the Whooping Crane's primary natural migratory population now breeds in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, and winters along the Texas coast, primarily at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Reintroduced non-migratory and migratory populations exist in Florida, Wisconsin, and Louisiana.
Identifying Featurestallest bird in North America, all-white body plumage, bare red crown and face patch, black primary wing feathers (visible in flight), long dark legs, loud trumpeting 'whooping' call
Description
The Whooping Crane is North America's tallest bird, known for its striking white plumage and long legs. It is a wading bird that forages in shallow wetlands, consuming a varied diet of aquatic invertebrates, small vertebrates, and plant matter.
